The Ondo State chapters of the All Progressives Congress and the Social Democratic Party clashed on Sunday over alleged diversion of local government funds by the state government.
The SDP accused the APC-led state government of hijacking federal allocations meant for local governments, describing the alleged action as a violation of the constitutional principle of local government autonomy.
In a statement signed by its state chairman, Mr Gbenga Akinbuli, the SDP alleged that the state government was diverting the funds to purposes other than grassroots development.
The statement read, “We have credible information that federal allocations meant for local governments are being collected by the state government. This revelation raises serious concerns about fiscal federalism, local autonomy, and the principles of democracy.
“It is unconscionable that funds intended for grassroots development and service delivery are being siphoned off, depriving local communities of essential services and infrastructure.
“The implications of this action are far-reaching. Local governments are being denied the resources they need to deliver on their constitutional responsibilities, from healthcare and education to infrastructure and security. This not only undermines the effectiveness of local governments but also erodes trust in the system and perpetuates underdevelopment.”
The SDP called on the state government to stop the “unlawful collection” of LG funds, demanding greater transparency and accountability.
But reacting in a counter-statement, the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo, Mr Steve Otaloro, described the allegations as false and misleading.
Otaloro said, “The APC in Ondo State categorically rejects the recent allegations made by the SDP regarding the diversion of local government funds by the state government. These claims are nothing short of a blatant lie from the pit of hell, aimed at misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension in our polity.
“We urge the SDP, led by Barr. Gbenga Akinbuli, to exercise caution in their statements and to conduct proper investigations before issuing such unfounded press releases. The truth is that local government funds are released strictly upon allocation from the federation accounts, and at no point has the state government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa interfered with or misappropriated these funds.”
He insisted that local government funds were disbursed based on allocations from the Federation Account and that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had not interfered with or misappropriated any such funds.
“Since assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa has maintained a commitment to democratic governance at the local government level, ensuring that local councils function effectively even in the absence of elections.
“This approach is designed to prevent any vacuum in governance at the grassroots and to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency,” he said.
