Anxiety in Ondo State as Aiyedatiwa Freezes Local Govt Accounts

There is tension among the newly appointed caretaker chairmen in the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) that they might be sacked by the acting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The fear arose following the freezing of the accounts of the local councils by Aiyedatiwa.

The Acting governor also told the newly created LCDA not to open new accounts.

A letter to the local councils reads: “Distinguished HOLGAs, His 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.

The caretaker chairman said that Aiyedatiwa made the move to assert authority in line with his vision as well as cut a niche for himself.

He said: “Yes, he has blocked accounts of the local governments. 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 reads: “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.”