Ondo acting Governor Aiyedatiwa takes decisive action, freezes Local Government accounts

In a bold move, Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has issued a directive to freeze the accounts of local government administrations across the state. The decision comes a few weeks after the appointment of caretaker chairmen for the 18 local government areas and the 33 local council development areas by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Aiyedatiwa, who had previously been engaged in a conflict with the ailing Governor Akeredolu, has asserted his authority through this circular. The memo, addressed to the Heads of Local Government Administrations, not only freezes the accounts but also prohibits the opening of new accounts by the council chairmen.

The circular states, “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.”

This move has heightened tension within political circles in the state, leading to speculation and unrest among the affected officials. The directive is seen as an attempt by Aiyedatiwa to consolidate authority and ensure compliance ahead of the upcoming party primaries next year. Some officials believe the freezing of accounts is linked to concerns of fund diversion within the local governments.