Eti-Osa Residents Demand Chairman’s Suspension Over Alleged N1.9bn Fraud

• Protesters accuse Chairman of misappropriating council’s 2023 budget

• Allegations include diversion of funds, unauthorized projects, and contract awards

• House of Assembly members promise investigation and intervention

Eko Hot Blog reports that concerned residents of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) conducted a peaceful protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday, demanding the suspension of Chairman Eti-Osa LCDA, Mr. John Campos Ogundare, over allegations of embezzling N1.9 billion.

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The protesters, represented by Mr. Segun Williams, emphasized the urgent need for the Chairman’s suspension to prevent further escalation of the situation. “We seek his suspension pending the conclusion of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s investigation into the matter. The allegations against the Chairman were outlined in a report sent to your distinguished selves on 19th December 2023,” Williams said.

The report, signed by the majority leader of Eti-Osa LCDA, revealed that the Chairman had diverted funds designated for critical sectors such as health and education. Further allegations raised by the protesters included failure to pay running costs to various Council departments in accordance with the 2023 budget, neglecting balance payments to past political office holders against governmental advice, unauthorized project execution, and contract awards without legislative approval.

“The Chairman was also accused of non-adherence to the 2023 budget for school and primary healthcare construction/renovation, as well as failure to comply with legislative requests for income and expenditure records. He was found to have consistently approved contracts exceeding his limit of N35 million,” the report stated.

The Councilors also accused the LCDA treasurer and auditor of dereliction of duty for withholding financial details and comprehensive activity reports.

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Addressing the press, Hon. Adebola Shabi (Lagos Mainland 2) and Hon. Solomon Bonu from Badagry constituency 1 assured the protesters of the House’s intervention and urged them to peacefully return to their homes.

“Hon. Shabi expressed appreciation for the peaceful protest and assured the residents of justice on behalf of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. He confirmed that their own investigation was ongoing to address the allegations,” the report added.

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