The Ogun State Government has firmly refuted claims that its officials were summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with a petition allegedly filed by Wale Adedayo, the ex-Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, who was recently removed from office due to allegations of financial misappropriation. The government clarified that there was no connection between the officials’ engagement with the EFCC and any purported diversion of local government funds, as has been insinuated in some reports.
Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Dapo Abiodun, addressed these claims in a statement released on Saturday. He emphasized that the officials were not presented with any petition from Adedayo, countering the narrative that the EFCC’s invitation was linked to such a document.
Akinmade further asserted that if the petition had been the basis for the officials’ invitation, the EFCC, known for its responsible conduct, would have formally presented the document to them.
“Ordinarily, there would be no reason to respond to the antics of a known provocateur and rabble-rouser, who has made salacious, evidence-free allegations against Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration, with the intent to sow discord among the people and destabilize Ogun State,” the statement read.
“While we continue to respect media organizations as partners in progress, we categorically state that the report in question is nothing but fake news and should be disregarded.”
“As is the case with officials from other state governments, Ogun State officials are not exempt from invitations by anti-graft agencies if clarification on any matter is needed. It is reassuring that the EFCC confirmed our officials, as law-abiding citizens, honoured the invitation and have since returned to their duties.”
“It is, however, a complete fabrication to claim that they were invited due to a petition by Wale Adedayo, a chief propagandist who once accused his former boss, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, of being a serial killer, and who falsely claimed that his co-chairmen supported his petition against Governor Abiodun—a claim they have categorically denied.”
“The media, as a cornerstone of society, should not assist rabble-rousers and morally bankrupt individuals in spreading falsehood.”
