Fresh controversy has engulfed the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) following the emergence of internal financial documents and an official query raising grave questions over the handling of ₦463 million in public funds allegedly paid into private and related accounts.
Documents obtained by Peak Newspaper indicate that the funds, drawn from OSOPADEC’s capital project account, were allegedly transferred to individual accounts linked to two staff members and the father of the Commission’s Secretary, contrary to established public finance procedures.
At the centre of the storm is a formal query reportedly issued by the Board Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, questioning the actions of the Secretary, Mrs. Abike Bayo-Ilawole, over unexplained payments from the Commission’s project funds.
The query reportedly challenges why monies earmarked strictly for project execution were paid into personal accounts, demanding explanations that, according to documents seen by AIV, were never formally provided despite repeated internal concerns.
The explanation later attributed to “direct labour” arrangements has been faulted by senior officials who argue that no public finance regulation permits project funds to be routed through private accounts without due process, approvals, and transparent documentation.
BREAKDOWN OF ALLEGED PAYMENTS
The disputed transactions reportedly include:
₦311,270,527.00 paid to Engr. Bunmi Filani
₦141,288,541.43 paid to Engr. Dare Oretan
₦10,504,539.87 paid to Mr. Andrew Kolawole Ikuesan
Total: ₦463,063,539.82
Investigations by Peak Newspaper further reveal that Mr. Andrew Kolawole Ikuesan is allegedly the biological father of the Secretary, a relationship that deepens public concern and raises questions of conflict of interest, abuse of office, and ethical breaches.
Anti-corruption analysts consulted by AIV warn that diverting capital project funds into private accounts; regardless of justification; constitutes a serious breach of financial regulations and exposes the Commission to legal and institutional sanctions.
“This is not a clerical error. It is a structural violation that demands forensic audit and possible criminal investigation,” a public finance expert noted.
Sources within OSOPADEC allege that internal power struggles have complicated the matter, with some officials claiming the scandal is being politicised. However, AIV notes that documents, bank records, and an official query; not rumours; form the basis of this report.
While some directors argue that Board decisions were collectively taken, no document reviewed by AIV shows Board approval for routing capital funds into private or family-linked accounts.
Repeated efforts by Peak Newspaper to reach Mrs. Abike Bayo-Ilawole for clarification and response were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. Her response will be published promptly when received, in line with ethical journalism standards.
Civil society groups, oil-producing community leaders, and transparency advocates are now calling for:
An independent forensic audit of OSOPADEC accounts Investigation by anti-graft agencies
Temporary stepping aside of officials named in the query to protect the integrity of investigations
For a Commission entrusted with developing oil-producing communities, the allegations pose a defining test. Public trust, once broken, is difficult to restore; and silence in the face of documented allegations only deepens suspicion.
Peak Newspaper will continue to follow this story and publish verified developments strictly in the public interest.
