Despite swift actions taken by the Oyo State Government and House of Assembly in suspending local government chairmen over allegations of misconduct in recent times, the lingering silence on serious allegations against the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, is raising concerns among political observers and stakeholders.
Six elected councillors in Oluyole Local Government recently levelled weighty allegations against the chairman, accusing him of mismanagement of council funds, land racketeering, abuse of office, and bypassing the legislative arm in key decision-making processes. The councillors, in a widely circulated petition, claimed that efforts to carry out their oversight responsibilities have been frustrated by the executive chairman, who allegedly runs the council in disregard of due process and transparency.
What has baffled many is the silence of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the executive arm of government, especially considering their past decisive steps in similar cases. Not too long ago, the Assembly suspended the Chairman of Oyo East Local Government, Hon. Olusola Oluokun, following a viral video that cast his conduct in bad light. Also, other council chairmen have faced disciplinary action over various allegations deemed to undermine the integrity of local governance.
Observers now wonder why the case of Engr. Akeem Olatunji appears to be treated differently, despite the petition being in the public domain and the issues raised bordering on financial impropriety and abuse of public trust.
Stakeholders are therefore calling on Governor Seyi Makinde and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, to act without delay. They insist that the allegations by the six councilors deserve proper investigation not just to establish the truth, but to also show that accountability and integrity are not selective.
The longer the silence lingers, the more it fuels speculation of political shielding, which could erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to transparency and justice at the grassroots level.
