As part of measures to ensure accountability and transparency in government, the Oyo state House of Assembly has invited executive chairmen of Oluyole, Oyo East, and Kajola government to appear before the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters tomorrow, May 31.
The invitation to appear before the house committee, Western Mirror.com.ng gathered was consequent upon petitions from the affected local government to the house over allegations of gross misconduct and fraudulent activities.
When contacted via phone call, the chairman, house committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and two term Lawmaker, Honourable Akintunde Olajide, representing Lagelu state constituency confirmed to Western Mirror.com.ng that some council chairmen including one LCDA, have been invited to appear before the house committee tomorrow.
He listed the concerned local governments to include Oyo East, Kajola, Oluyole, and Sooro LCDA.
“Yes it is true, some local government chairmen will appear before the committee tomorrow. We have three Council chairmen and one LCDA invited to appear before the committee tomorrow.” Hon. Akintunde said.
Oluyole local government vice chairman and Political Head of Akorede LCDA, Honourable Ayoade Olatunde also confirmed the development to this online newspaper when contacted via phone call.
The invitation by the house Committee according to Hon. Ayoade as contained in a leaked copy of the petition was contrary to the Governor’s directives on administration and sharing formula of responsibilities and activities between the local government and LCDA.
The development was confirmed to journalists yesterday, May 29, by a source in the local government, who preferred to speak anonymously.
The petition titled “Notice of Non Compliance With The Existing Operational Guidelines And Your Excellency’s Directives On The Control/Administration Of Both Local Government and Local Council Development Areas” dated May 10, and received by the House on May 11, 2023 was addressed to the house through the Office of the Speaker.
Honourable Settle according to the leaked copy of the petition was accused by his vice, Honourable Ayoade Olatunde, the Political Head of Akorede LCDA, of running a ‘one man’ show in Oluyole local government in terms of administration, project formulation, implementation and execution which was said to be in gross violation of the Council’s administration and operational guidelines.
According to the leaked petition, executive council members of the local government usually append their signatures on its resolution at the end of each exco meeting but after the third meeting of the exco since inauguration, there was a disagreement among members an the chairman which bothered on transparency and accountability on the part of Hon. Settle, which infuriated him.
The source disclosed that it was expedient to put a stop to continuous conduct of such act by the Council boss which violates the LG operational guidelines as it contradicts everything the Seyi Makinde’s government represents in terms of integrity, transparency and accountability adding that if not checked, could bring disrepute to integrity of innocent officials in the local government.
The source added that upon receipt of the petition by the house, the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, chaired by Honourable Akintunde Olajide has immediately summoned Honourable Settle and all parties concerned to appear before it.
The source however, expressed concerns about the possibility of sweeping the matter under the carpet as perceived influential politicians who have continued to benefit from the illegality at the detriment of the LG have started scheming and making frantic move to ensure the petition failed to see the light of the day.
