Ogun Assembly calls for transparency in local government budget

The Ogun State House of Assembly has urged Local Government chairmen to strictly follow due process in budget implementation, ensuring transparency in their operations.

Chairman of the House committee on chieftaincy affairs, Jemili Akingbade, made the call during an oversight visit to Odogbolu and Ikenne Local Government Areas.

Mr Akingbade, accompanied by fellow committee members, inspected various local government projects and stressed the importance of transparency in governance.

He stated that such transparency would foster effective governance, improve accountability, and ensure resources are properly utilised at the local level.

The chairman criticised Odogbolu Local Government for not holding finance and general purpose committee meetings and for spending outside the approved budget.

He emphasised that all development projects should reflect community needs and be aligned with grassroots development priorities.

Mr Akingbade, therefore, directed the Odogbolu chairman, head of local government administration, treasurer, and director of general services and administration to submit all financial records to the house of assembly.

“It is clear this local government operates as a one-man show,” he said, highlighting the committee’s oversight responsibility.

In response, Odogbolu Local Government chairman, Babatunde Diya, thanked the lawmakers and promised to address all identified shortcomings.

The committee also visited Ikenne Local Government for financial record assessment.

Ikenne Council chairman, Jamiu Ashimi, presented the 2025 financial records to the lawmakers during the visit.

Mr Akingbade was accompanied by vice chairman, Dickson Awolaja, and members Olakunle Sobunkola and Adegoke Adeyanju.

Other attending members included Oluseun Adesanya, Lukman Adeleye, Haruna Egungbohun, Damilola Soneye, and Fatiu Folawewo.