📅 Date: May 5, 2025
Author: BlackXcellence News
📝 Full Blog Post Content:
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has raised serious allegations against the Ondo State Government, claiming that it is unlawfully tampering with local government (LG) allocations meant for community development.
The accusation was made during a press briefing in Akure, where SDP leaders described the situation as “financial hijacking” and a direct assault on grassroots governance.
💬 The Allegation:
SDP State Chairman, Hon. Banji Ojo, stated that funds released from the Federation Account to LGAs are being diverted or manipulated by the state’s executive arm.
“What belongs to the people is being stolen in daylight. Local councils can no longer function independently,” Ojo said.
According to the SDP, several local government chairmen have been silenced or threatened after raising concerns about withheld funds or unexplained deductions.
📉 The Effects:
Tampering with LG allocations affects:
Primary healthcare centers
Local schools and community roads
Youth and women empowerment programs
Salaries of local workers and traditional council stipends
Many communities across Ondo are allegedly experiencing halted development projects, with some local councils unable to meet basic obligations.
🧾 The Demand:
The SDP is calling for:
A full forensic audit of LG allocations in Ondo from 2023 to date
The release of monthly allocation reports to the public
Autonomy for local government authorities, as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution
🗣️ Ondo Govt Response?
As of press time, the Ondo State Government has yet to issue an official statement. However, insiders within the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs deny any wrongdoing, calling the SDP’s claims “politically motivated noise.”
🧠 Political Implication:
Analysts believe this development may impact the 2025 local government elections, with SDP positioning itself as a defender of local democracy.
“If true, these allegations could erode public trust in the current state leadership,” said Dr. Ranti Adeoye, a governance expert.
🗳️ What’s Next?
The SDP has vowed to petition the EFCC and ICPC, while also engaging civil society groups to demand transparency. They say they will mobilize protests if the government fails to respond within two weeks.