The acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reportedly taken the decision to freeze the local government account in the state, causing apprehension among newly appointed caretaker chairmen in the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

According to reports from The Nation, Aiyedatiwa also instructed the newly established LCDA not to open new accounts.

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In a letter addressed to the local council, it was stated, “Distinguished HOLGAs, Your Excellency, the acting governor of Ondo state, had directed that all spending/expenditure from the local government account should be suspended.

No signing of cheques, no change of signatories, no withdrawal of any sort until further directive. Please adhere strictly to instruction and be guided.”

Confirming the report anonymously, one of the caretaker chairmen expressed concern over the development.

He stated that Aiyedatiwa’s actions were aimed at asserting authority and aligning with his vision, adding that the move was intended to create a distinct position for himself.

The chairman remarked, “Yes, he has blocked the account of the local government.

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.”

In addition to freezing the local councils’ accounts, Aiyedatiwa directed that the Deputy Chief of Staff, Omojuwa Olusegun, would be responsible for preparing and signing his official engagements temporarily.

A letter signed by Omojuwa and addressed to members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries stated, “The acting governor of Ondo state, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has directed me to inform all Members of the State Executive Council and top Government functionaries that the deputy chief of staff to the governor would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.

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The Chief of Protocol would take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr. Governor resumes from his medical vacation.”