Tension as Lagos LCDA residents protest the alleged embezzlement of N1.9bn by Eti Osa Chairman
Concerned inhabitants of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) held a peaceful demonstration at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday. They called for the removal of the chairman, Mr. John Campos Ogundare, amidst accusations of embezzling N1.9 billion.
Representing the dissatisfied residents of Eti Osa East, Mr. Segun Williams appealed for the chairman's suspension to prevent further mishandling of the council's finances. Allegations against Ogundare, implicated in an investigative report by the council's legislative arm for misusing the 2023 budget, were outlined in a report submitted to the State Assembly on December 19, 2023.
The report, endorsed by the majority leader of Eti-Osa LCDA, disclosed that the chairman had redirected funds designated for crucial sectors like health and education. Protesters further raised concerns about the chairman's failure to allocate running costs to various council departments as per the 2023 budget, overlooking overdue payments to former political office holders against governmental advisories. Unauthorized project execution, contract awards without legislative approval, and disregard for the 2023 budget fund allocations for school and primary healthcare construction/renovation were also mentioned.
Moreover, Ogundare faced allegations of non-compliance with legislative requests for financial records, consistently approving contracts surpassing his spending limit of N35 million, and unauthorized contractual agreements. The LCDA treasurer and auditor were accused of negligence for withholding financial information and comprehensive activity reports.
During a press briefing, Hon. Adebola Shabi (Lagos Mainland 2) and Hon. Solomon Bonu from Badagry constituency 1 addressed the demonstrators, assuring that the House would investigate the matter and urged the protesters to disperse peacefully. Hon. Shabi expressed gratitude for the orderly protest and assured the residents that justice would prevail, with the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, overseeing the ongoing investigation into the allegations.