A controversy has emerged in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State over the actual source of funding for the newly flagged-off Mini Mapo Hall project, amid claims that the initiative was originally conceived and financed by traditional rulers, not the Local Government Council.
According to reliable sources, monarchs in Oluyole had long been working on and gathering funds from within themselves for the project since the reign of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun. Plans and approvals were already in motion before the Local Government Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, took office.
It was alleged that while Chairman Olatunji publicly announced the project as the council initiative, the funding and groundwork were wholly and exclusively done by the palace and community leaders in Idi-Ayunre, who envisioned the hall as a cultural and civic centre for traditional activities and community gatherings.
The source further alleged that the chairman later relocated the project site from the original location agreed upon by the monarchs to another area described as a “thick forest,” sparking concerns over transparency and the true intent behind the change.
It will be recalled that Engr. Akeem Olatunji recently flagged off the construction of the Mini Mapo Hall at the Oluyole Local Government Secretariat in Idi-Ayunre, describing it as a major step in promoting heritage and infrastructure-driven development.
According to the chairman, the hall will be centrally located to serve several wards including Abala, Onigambari, Onipe, and Idi-Ayunre to ensure accessibility and community benefit.
“The essence of this clarification is that the existing council under the leadership of Akeem Olatunji, only supported the already approved project but never invested a dime to finance the project’s construction.
“This is necessary towards setting the records straight for the future of the true Oluyole sons of the soil. While the public should be well notified of this true picture of things, the true sons of Oluyole have been particularly concerned over the arrogation by the council chair that the project is being owned to his administration” one of sources highlighted.
