The Ondo State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has publicly refuted claims that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is interfering with or diverting monthly allocations intended for local governments.
Speaking to the press, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, the State Chairman of ALGON, stated that local government chairmen are “fully in charge of our finances.” He dismissed allegations that the governor is stifling their funds, asserting that these claims are “simply not telling the truth.”
According to Fasua, the financial autonomy granted to local governments by a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling is being respected, allowing them to effectively manage funds for grassroots development.
He argued that the ongoing projects in various council areas serve as proof of their prudent management of resources. “If the governor were dictating or controlling our finances, how would we have been able to achieve these feats?” he questioned.
To support his claims, Fasua highlighted several projects underway across the state, including road construction, water supply schemes, drainage systems, and flood control interventions.
He specifically mentioned his own Akure South Local Government, noting that he had procured 10 vehicles in five months a feat he claimed previous administrations could not achieve in the same timeframe.
The ALGON chairman praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, suggesting that local government administration has become more effective and efficient under his government.
Fasua’s remarks come amid reports alleging that the governor was interfering with the funds despite the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy for local governments.
