Ogun govt denies EFCC summoned officials over funds diversion

The Ogun State Government has denied reports that its officials were summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in connection with a petition allegedly filed by Wale Adedayo, a former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government.

AllNews earlier reported that the EFCC quiz official of the state.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the State Governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government clarified that the officials' visit to the EFCC's Ibadan Zonal Office was not related to any alleged diversion of local government funds.

The statement emphasized that the officials were not presented with any petition from Adedayo, contrary to claims made in certain media reports.

The government noted that the EFCC, as a responsible agency, would have provided the officials with the petition if it were the basis for their invitation.

The statement further remarked: “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.

“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.”