Outrage In Ondo: LG Bosses Expose Aiyedatiwa’s Alleged Shortchange Of ₦596M

Local government chairmen in Ondo State have accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of releasing only ₦4 million to each council out of the ₦600 million monthly allocation due to them.

They argued that the governor’s action violates the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling, which granted financial autonomy to local governments.

According to The Guardian, one council chairman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented that the situation has crippled their ability to deliver on their mandates.

Some of the chairmen further alleged that after the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) releases funds, the state government compels councils to remit a large portion back into the Ministry of Local Government’s account.

Revealing their frustration in Akure, the state capital, the chairmen said most of them have chosen to remain silent out of fear of being branded disloyal to the governor.

“We are forced to return most of the funds to the Ministry of Local Government, leaving us with only ₦4 million. For instance, during the June FAAC, some councils received ₦644 million, ₦590 million, and ₦405 million, but you can verify these figures from the BudgIT website.

“We remain under the firm control of the state government. We were told the funds are still being managed by the state due to obligations like primary healthcare, basic education, and funding of Amotekun,” one chairman disclosed.

In response, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, dismissed the claims, describing the chairmen as insincere.

“If anyone disagrees, they should come out openly. We are all under one political party and leadership. What the government has been doing is a collective decision, not an imposition,” he said.