Some councilors in Oluyole Local Government Area have accused the council chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, of sidelining the legislative arm and engaging in alleged mismanagement of council resources.
In a document reportedly signed by concerned councilors, the chairman was said to have expended funds earmarked for road grading without prior deliberation with the legislative arm. The lawmakers alleged that despite passing a resolution for the repair of the council’s grader, the chairman opted to hire a grader from an external source without their consent.
“When the fund was released for grading, there was no legislative input. He just went ahead and rented a grader,” the statement read.
The councilors also raised concerns over the handling of the state government’s adhoc employment scheme, claiming that the chairman allegedly replaced existing staff with new recruits believed to be loyalists and relatives.
Allegations were also made concerning land allocations in areas like Toll-Gate, Esu Oso, and Alomoja. The lawmakers claimed that residents paid up to ₦200,000 for land allocations allegedly coordinated by the chairman and his associate, Azeez Babalola, but many of the allocations were later voided by the state government.
“Many residents paid without council approval, and the lands were later revoked without compensation,” the lawmakers said.
Accusations of political exclusion were also raised. The councilors alleged that during official visits to some wards, especially Wards 4 and 10, the chairman bypassed the elected councilors and instead invited his loyalists from other areas.
An alleged “fake empowerment” scheme was also mentioned. Some beneficiaries reportedly claimed they paid for certificates and training without receiving the promised support.
During the last Ileya celebration, concerns were also raised over the sharing formula used for festival funds, with some councilors alleging that the chairman altered the agreed template without consultation.
The lawmakers further alleged harassment of Hon. Waheed Akintayo (Ilumoka), a state legislator from the area, stating that the council chairman had allegedly made derogatory remarks aimed at discrediting the lawmaker at political meetings.
The councilors are calling on relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure due legislative process is restored in the council.
Efforts to reach Engr. Akeem Olatunji for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
