Ondo acting Governor freezes local government account

Acting Governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reportedly frozen the local government account in the state. 

The Nation reported that this caused tension among the newly appointed caretaker chairmen in the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).  The acting governor also told the newly created LCDA not to open new accounts. A letter to the local council read; 

“Distinguished HOLGAs, Your Excellency the acting governor of Ondo state had directed that all spending/expenditure from local government account should be suspended, no signing of cheques, no change of signatories, no withdrawal of any sort until further directive. Please adhere strictly to instruction and be guided.”

One of the caretaker chairmen who confirmed the report under anonymity said the development was worrisome. He told the publication that Aiyedatiwa made the move to assert authority in line with his vision as well as cut a niche for himself.

The chairman said; 

“Yes, he has blocked account of the local government. He is doing it to make the caretaker chairmen fall in line ahead of the party primary next year. He believes the local government fund has been diverted.”

Besides the freezing of the local councils’ account, Aiyedatiwa ordered that the deputy chief of staff, Omojuwa Olusegun, would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.

A letter signed by Omojuwa and addressed to members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries read; 

“The acting governor of Ondo state, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has directed me to inform all Members of the State Executive Council and top

“Government functionaries that the deputy chief of staff to the governor would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.

“The Chief of Protocol would take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr. Governor resumes from his medical vacation.”