The freezing of the local government account in Ondo State by Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reportedly sparked tension among the newly appointed caretaker chairmen in the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), as reported by The Nation. A directive was issued to the newly created LCDAs, instructing them not to open new accounts. In a letter addressed to the local council, the Acting Governor emphasized the suspension of all spending/expenditure from the local government account, including no signing of cheques, no change of signatories, and no withdrawals until further notice.
According to an anonymous caretaker chairman, the move is seen as a means for Aiyedatiwa to assert authority in alignment with his vision and to establish a distinct position for himself. The chairman expressed concern about the development, stating that the Acting Governor believes the local government funds may have been diverted, and this action is aimed at ensuring compliance of caretaker chairmen ahead of the upcoming party primaries next year.
In addition to freezing the local councils’ account, Aiyedatiwa also directed that Omojuwa Olusegun, the deputy chief of staff, would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements temporarily. A letter signed by Omojuwa and addressed to members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries conveyed this directive. The letter specified that the Chief of Protocol would assume this responsibility once the Governor resumes from his medical vacation.
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