The Chairman of Local Government Pensioners of Nigerial, Ogun State Chapter, Pastor Banedict Ademoye
Has said that the claims of the suspended chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Mr. Wale Adedayo againt Governor of Ogun State are false.
Recall that the impeached chairman, Wale Adedayo accused Governor Abiodun of hijacking local government funds.
Ademoye said Wale Adedayo did not understand the system, saying that If he had consulted with experienced, competent and knowledgeable Local
Government practitioners, he would have been better informed.
The statement reads “The three-tier of government, federal, states and Local Governments were constitutionally mandated to settle first line charges or joint services whenever they get fund from the federal allocation. First line payments, include staff salaries, wages, pensions, gratuities e.t.c.
“The constitution of Nigeria, provided for a body called the Joint Local Government Allocation Committee
(JAAC) which manages the joint local government account. All Local Government chairmen are members.
“The state NULGE president, NUT representatives, the state chairman of LOGPAN, Representatives of the
four traditional councils (Egba, Ijebu, Remo, Yewa) among others are members. When funds come to the
state each month, members meet and allocate funds giving priority to first line charges.
“First line charges include primary school teachers salaries, salaries of Local Government workers, Pensions
and Gratuities of retired primary school teachers as well as retired Local Government workers and 5%
allocation to traditional councils among others. In most cases, funds obtained from Abuja are not normally
sufficient for the above.
“The state government argument
When this Adedayo’s case happened, the secretary to the state government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi addressed
the press. The Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo gave a run- down of Local
Government fund allocation between 2019 to date. That was the correct position and any claim contrary to
that is FALSE.
“For the information of all stakeholders in the administration of Local Governments in the state, let me assert
that L.G administration was adequately provided for in the 4th schedule of the 1979, 1989 and the current
1999 constitution as amended. However, during the Babangida, Abacha, and Abubakar military regimes of
1985 to 1999, certain modifications were made into the LG Administration with MILITARY FIAT.
“The military transferred Primary School Matters and primary health care into the L.G system. The system was
bequeathed to the Civilian Administration at the beginning of the 4th republic in 1999.
“From 1999 todate in Ogun State, we have four (4) Civilian Governors. It will be interesting to note that the
current Adedayo melodrama occurred during the previous three Civilian Administrations too. It happened in 1999 – 2003, 2003 – 2011 and 2011 – 2019. Dramatic personae in these melodramas were Elected Chairmen
from this same ijebu east local government!
“A part cannot be bigger than a WHOLE! Mr. Wale Adedayo will better learn from history. He is fighting
a war he cannot win, all those who tried in the past failed.
Of course, the current system have challenges because it had spanned 22 years (2001 to 2023). Indices have
changed.
“There is need for reform. That does not call for wrongful allegations to the person and office of the
state Governor. Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun CON the executive Governor of Ogun State DID NOT DIVERT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS.
“In the last two years that Mr. Wale Adedayo had been the chairman of Ijebu east L.G, he and other political
functionaries were receiving salaries and allowances. The career officers in the L.G, primary school teachers
as well as pensioners (both from primary schools and local government) were paid monthly. During the recent celebration of 2 years in office of L.G chairmen, projects were commissioned in the LGs, where then
is the issue of zero allocation to Ijebu east L.G. comes about!
“The ministry of local government supervises the 20 LGs. The heads of the LG administration and Treasurers
of each L.G see to the E-transfer of funds to all stake holders. The state government DO NOT MANAGE OR
ADMINISTER LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS.
“Between 1999 and 2003 when funds were going to the L.G directly, most local governments owed L.G
workers, primary school teachers and pensioners up to 8 months of salaries and wages.
“Several workers and pensioners died. Workers were forced into pre-mature retirement. Families were disorganized; it was a DARK PERIOD indeed. This was the time all stakeholders came together and put in place the current system
of “JOINT SERVICES”! The other 35 states and the FCT Abuja in the federation adopted the model.
“Therefore, what is happening currently in Ogun State is happening in all states of the federation. Situation in
other states are worse than Ogun State.
The model is 22 years old. There is need for review. This goes beyond Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun and Ogun
State.
” It is a NATIONAL MATTER. Review will involve the 36 state houses of assembly, the national assembly, the national economic council and the presidency. In view of the foregoing, no informed and knowledgeable person will put the blame on the Governor or the
government of Ogun State .