Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered the freezing of accounts of local government administrations across the state.
Aiyedatiwa took the decision few weeks after the caretaker chairmen for 18 local government areas and the 33 local council development areas were appointed by his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Recall that before becoming the acting governor, Aiyedatiwa had been engaged in a running battle with Akeredolu, who has been sick for a long while.
In a circular which was said to have been authorized by the acting governor, the council chairmen were also banned from opening new accounts.
The memo, which has heightened tension within political circles in the state, was addressed to the Heads of Local Government Administrations.
It read: “Distinguished HOLGAs, Your Excellency, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, has directed that all spending and expenditure from local government accounts should be suspended, with no signing of checks, no change of signatories, and no withdrawal of any sort until further directive.
“Please adhere strictly to instruction and be guided.”
According to one of the local council chairmen, who confirmed the development, Aiyedatiwa’s directive has triggered speculations and unrest among the affected officials, who are now left in a state of uncertainty regarding their future.
The local government chairman, who craved anonymity, stated that Aiyedatiwa made the move to assert authority as acting governor.
“Yes, he has blocked the account of the local governments.
“He is doing it to make the caretaker chairmen fall in line ahead of the party primary next year. He believes the local government fund has been diverted.”
