Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has made an order freezing the accounts of local government across the state.
Aiyedatiwa made the decision after the caretaking chairmen for 18 local government areas and the 33 local council development areas were appointed by his principal Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who has been sick for a long time.
Recall that before assuming the position of acting governor, Aiyedatiwa was locked in a running and bitter tussle with Akeredolu
In a circular which reportedly authorized by the acting governor, the council chairmen were stopped from opening fresh accounts.
The memo, which has increased tension within 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 a local council chairman, who confirmed the development to TMY Newspapers, Aiyedatiwa’s directive has precipitated speculations and unrest among the affected officials, who have been left in a state of uncertainty regarding their future.
“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.”
