Payroll While Abroad? Questions Trail Ogun Governor’s Aide Amid Canada Refugee Claim

Serious questions are emerging over payroll integrity and staff oversight in Ogun State following allegations that a media aide to Governor Dapo Abiodun may have relocated to Canada to pursue refugee protection while allegedly remaining on the state government’s payroll.

Multiple sources within the state civil service told this newspaper that Emmanuel Ojo, Senior Special Assistant on New Media, is still listed as active staff attached to the governor’s office, despite reports that he has been outside Nigeria for an extended period. Official records confirming resignation, approved leave, or disengagement could not be immediately established as of press time.

At the heart of the controversy is not migration itself, but a fundamental governance issue. Was a serving government aide physically absent from duty while continuing to receive public funds, and if so, who authorised it?

Public service regulations require formal clearance for extended absence, foreign relocation, or resignation. Failure to comply raises potential red flags ranging from administrative negligence to payroll abuse. Analysts note that if salary payments continued during an unapproved absence, the issue would extend beyond one individual to systemic weaknesses within the state’s personnel and payroll controls.

While refugee and asylum applications are protected by strict privacy laws, travel history, payroll records, and staff nominal rolls are verifiable public-interest documents. These records can establish whether the aide remained in active service, whether payments continued, and whether supervising authorities were aware of his whereabouts.

The Ogun State Government has not issued an official response to the allegations. Officials contacted said they were not formally briefed and declined comment.

As scrutiny intensifies, the case is fast becoming a test of transparency in an era when the “Japa” migration wave is colliding with weak institutional monitoring. The central question remains unanswered: how many public officials may be absent from duty, abroad, yet still quietly drawing salaries from state coffers?

14 Years of Luxury, Zero Planning Approval? Lagos Seals Illegal Estates, Names Adron Homes Amid Enforcement Blitz

While Adron Homes marks its 14th anniversary with fanfare — including an all-expenses-paid vacation to Qatar for 14 staff members — the Lagos State Government has moved decisively against estates operating outside the law, citing the developer among those that failed to regularise mandatory layout approvals.

The enforcement action, led by the Lagos State Government through its Office of Physical Planning, saw several structures sealed across the Lekki axis and Lagos Island for operating without approved layout plans and building permits.

The crackdown follows an earlier 2025 audit in which the government identified 176 illegal estate developments concentrated in Eti-Osa, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe. Developers were issued a 21-day ultimatum to regularise their approvals — a directive many, including prominent names, reportedly ignored.

According to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the affected estates were declared illegal for failing to obtain statutory layout approvals, a lapse officials say undermines sustainable urban growth and violates the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.

Among the estates previously listed for non-compliance were Adron Homes, Elerangbe; Aina Gold Estate, Okun-Folu; Diamond Estate, Eputu; Prime Water View Garden, Ikate Elegushi; and Royal View Estate, Ikota — developments that continued operations despite clear regulatory warnings.

Confirming the latest enforcement exercise, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said the operation began on Wednesday and was led by the Director of Development Matters, Hakeem Animashaun. The sweep targeted estates in the Lekki corridor that had earlier been cautioned but failed to comply.

Although the commissioner did not disclose the total number of sealed buildings, he reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on unauthorised developments, urging developers to secure layout approvals and building permits before commencing construction.

“The Office of Physical Planning is statutorily mandated to ensure that all developments comply with approved planning standards and regulations,” Olumide said. “We will continue to enforce compliance across the state. Developers must prioritise obtaining layout approvals and building permits to avoid sealing and other penalties.”

He added that the ongoing enforcement aligns with the state’s commitment to orderly urban development, infrastructure protection and sustainable growth, particularly in fast-expanding corridors such as Lekki-Ajah, warning that similar operations would be extended to other parts of Lagos.

Estates visited during the exercise included Adron Homes, Victoria Nest, Vistaview Estate, Empire Homes, JadeView Estate, BlessedView Homes and Micrian Villa Estate, among others, a clear signal that regulatory compliance, not anniversary celebrations or luxury incentives, remains the benchmark for operating in Lagos’ real estate space.

Political Rift Deepens in Abeokuta North as Councillors Allegedly Plan Showdown with Chairman

Fresh political tension is brewing in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State following allegations that some councillors, backed by leaders loyal to a governorship aspirant, are plotting to embarrass the council chairman, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo.

The chairman, who has been credited with notable development projects and effective policy execution, is reportedly being targeted over political loyalties and financial disagreements.

Sources disclosed that the planned action could take place within days, raising concerns about possible disruption of council activities.

A serving councillor, who requested anonymity, told our reporter that certain political leaders are unhappy with the chairman’s alignment with Governor Dapo Abiodun and his alleged refusal to support alternative political camps within the party.

The source also claimed that grievances over the non-payment of “Owo Odun” and dissatisfaction with financial allocations to councillors are fueling the unrest.

However, the same councillor acknowledged that the chairman currently provides monthly financial support and allows councillors to execute constituency projects — initiatives he said were uncommon in previous administrations.

He added that not all councillors are in support of the alleged plot, noting that many fear the consequences of legislative-executive conflict at the grassroots level.

Concerned stakeholders are urging top government and party officials to intervene swiftly to avoid a repeat of the crisis previously witnessed in Ota Local Government, where political disagreements led to the suspension and impeachment of the council chairman before state authorities restored order.

Court Fines UBA N30 million for Illegally Freezing Customer’s Account

The court has ordered the bank to immediately refund $163,592 withheld from the company, Micoz Bluelink Enterprise.

Mr Lifu held that the bank had no legal basis for freezing the business domiciliary account or transferring funds from the account without a court order or notifying the customer.

The judge described the act as “a breach of the banker-customer’s relationship”.

According to him, the UBA’s action was ultra vires its powers, reckless and bereft of mercy.

The certified true copy of the judgment, delivered on July 25, was made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.

The plaintiff, Akpasi Oziegbe, trading under the name and style of Micoz Bluelink Enterprise, had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1412/2023, sued UBA as the sole defendant.

The plaintiff’s legal team, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, and Adeyemo Richard, exyplained that the firm was incorporated on March 19, 2021, with a domiciliary account opened thereafter for trading operations.

On July 20, 2022, the company discovered that the account had been restricted by the bank with a balance of $163.8 million meant for supply contracts.

“The applicant made several enquiries to the bank seeking reasons for the account restriction, but the bank failed to respond or unfreeze the account,” Mr Ojukwu said.

Mr Richard, equally, contended in one of the sittings that the bank allegedly transferred the sum without the company’s authorisation on August 19, 2023.

The plaintiff, in the affidavit in support, averred that “there is no mention of fraud in the call-back request presented by the bank, and the document lacks proper endorsement and authenticity.”

In its defence, UBA, through its counsel, Kalat Jatau, admitted the inflow of $163.8 million but claimed the funds were flagged as suspicious.

The bank said it filed a suspicious transaction report with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and temporarily restricted the account pending enhanced customer due diligence.

The bank alleged that “the applicant was informed of the restriction and requested further documentation, which, upon review, was found to be inconsistent with actual transaction amounts”.

It further argued that the funds were recalled following a SWIFT instruction from its correspondent bank, Citi Bank.

Delivering the judgment, Mr Lifu held that UBA breached its fiduciary duty and acted without court approval.

“The bank failed to inform the applicant of reasons for the restriction and proceeded with unilateral withdrawal, thereby breaching the banker-customer contract,” he held.

On the validity of the bank’s evidence, the judge found UBA’s Exhibit ‘A’ defective.

“There is no mention of ‘fraud’ or ‘fraudulent’ in the document, which only states ‘Possible Duplicate’ and does not justify a call back,” he said.

The judge also recognised the significant economic loss and business disruption caused to the applicant following the over-one-year restriction.

According to Mr Lifu, there is no proof the bank took appropriate steps before restricting the account or withdrawing funds, nor did it disclose where the money was transferred.

The judge held that customer’s funds could only be withdrawn from their account “pursuant to an unequivocal instruction by the customer or a court order”, and that neither of which was presented.

He declared UBA’s actions “illegal, unconstitutional and a breach of banker-customer relationship”. The judge, therefore, cited the bank’s conduct, the applicant’s status and economic factors in awarding damages.

These, he said, included “the continual depreciation of the naira”.

Mr Lifu, thereafter, awarded ₦30 million in damages in favour of Micoz Bluelink Enterprise with “post-judgment interest of 10 per cent until the judgement sum is fully liquidated.”

The judge also ordered the reversal of the $163,592 withdrawal.

(NAN)

Dapo Abiodun’s Political Vendetta: What Kayode Akinmade Must Learn Before Speaking for Ogun State

The cries of political vendetta against Governor Dapo Abiodun are no longer whispers — they are now a roar across Ogun State. The latest trigger? Fresh threats to demolish properties linked to former governor and current senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

At the center of the governor’s defense machinery is his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, who has been quick to dismiss the warnings and concerns from Senator Daniel’s camp as nothing more than a “wolf cry.”

But Akinmade — an indigene of Idanre in Ondo State and a former Commissioner for Information under Governor Olusegun Mimiko — must be reminded that Ogun politics is not his native Ondo politics. Here, scars run deep, memories are long, and bulldozer politics is not easily forgiven.

Only two years ago, in a shocking midnight raid, Governor Abiodun ordered the demolition of a multimillion-naira complex in Ijebu Ode belonging to Yeye Olufunke Daniel, wife of the senator. The ₦5 billion structure, completed and awaiting commissioning, was flattened under the cover of darkness. Locals still say, “A dynamite would have done a cleaner job.”

At the time, the governor swore it wasn’t political — just as he is swearing now. But the court of public opinion and subsequent legal tussles told another story: it was pure political vendetta.

This is the same governor who, on September 11, 2023, publicly boasted of how he “saved” another property of OGD from demolition back when he assumed office in 2019, trying to paint himself as a magnanimous facilitator. Yet the contradiction is glaring: how does a man who once sought refuge in Asoludero Court — OGD’s stronghold — in March 2019, now target the very symbol of the support that helped him into office?

Let’s refresh memories for Mr. Akinmade: in 2019, when Dapo Abiodun was fighting to survive politically against the hostile machinery of his predecessor, it was OGD who publicly endorsed him, opening political doors and mobilizing his network to ensure Abiodun’s victory. That was no small favor — it was a kingmaker’s blessing.

Today, that same Asoludero Court is reportedly on the demolition list. If this isn’t political vendetta, then the word has lost its meaning.

So, Mr. Akinmade, before you rush to insult the intelligence of Ogun people with your press statements, thread softly. This is not Ondo State where you can play outsider politics without consequence. Ogun people know their history, their heroes, and their betrayers.

And tell your boss this: no bulldozer will ever erase the political memory of Ogun State. If he tries, the backlash will be louder than any machine he sends in the night.

Political Vendetta Gone Wild: Abiodun Targets Gbenga Daniel’s Mansions and Hotels for Demolition

The political battle in Ogun State has reached boiling point as Governor Dapo Abiodun moves against his predecessor, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, in what Daniel’s camp is calling a “brazen and shameless abuse of power.”

In a dramatic twist late Friday afternoon, August 8, agents allegedly acting on the governor’s orders swooped on Daniel’s sprawling Asoludero Court residence, the multi-billion-naira Conference Hotel in Sagamu, and its Annex—pasting contravention, quit, and demolition notices on all three properties at once.

The government claims the buildings violate provisions of the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022. But Daniel’s team says the accusations are absurd, pointing out that the properties were legally built years before the law even existed—Asoludero Court in 2004, Conference Hotel in 2013, and the Annex in 2015.

“This is not governance; it’s political gangsterism,” declared Steve Oliyide of the OGD Media Office. “Abiodun is weaponizing the law to destroy an opponent, trampling on due process, and using intimidation in place of justice.”

The fiery statement draws parallels to the notorious midnight demolition of DATKEM Plaza in Ijebu Ode—owned by Daniel’s wife—in September 2023, carried out under the cover of darkness on what critics described as “flimsy excuses.” That case is still in court, with the state government suffering repeated legal defeats.

Political watchers say the latest action signals a dangerous escalation in Ogun’s political wars, raising fears of a descent into open hostility ahead of the next election cycle.

As at press time, the Ogun State Government had not commented on the allegations, but tension in the state’s political circles is at an all-time high.

Agege LG tussle: Real Reasons Ganiyu Egunjobi, Agbelebu Don't See Face-to-Face

• …The Obasa game plan to install son as LG chairmen

 

Fresh revelations have emerged on why the outgoing Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi, is allegedly opposed to his Vice Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Abiola, popularly known as Agbelebu from succeeding him.

Sources close to the political circle revealed that there has been no love lost between the duo from the onset, despite both belonging to the same political faction led by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. It was gathered that Obasa’s alleged divide-and-rule style of politics contributed significantly to the strained relationship between Egunjobi and Agbelebu.

When Agbelebu was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege Local Government through Obasa’s influence, he reportedly refused to offer financial support to Egunjobi as directed by the Speaker. Agbelebu also did not back Egunjobi’s bid for the chairmanship, as he allegedly had his own preferred candidate. He was also said to have failed to campaign for Egunjobi among civil servants.

Upon his election as chairman, Egunjobi reportedly “took his pound of flesh,” sidelining Agbelebu. Observers believe this lingering animosity is a key reason Egunjobi is allegedly determined to block his vice from succeeding him. There are fears that if Agbelebu emerges as the next chairman, several alleged financial infractions committed by Egunjobi during his tenure may come to light.

It was also gathered that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating the council boss and may arrest him once his tenure ends in a few months. Egunjobi reportedly fears that Agbelebu might cooperate with the EFCC in the probe, hence his desperation to stop him from taking over.

In an apparent move to frustrate Agbelebu’s ambition, Egunjobi is said to be pushing for the imposition of a 73-year-old ailing aspirant, Tunde Azeez, popularly known as Tunde Disco who is currently the APC LGA chairman as his successor. Disco is to be deputized by AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa, son of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

Initially, both Egunjobi and Obasa had backed AbdulGaniyu Obasa for the chairmanship, a decision that reportedly devastated Agbelebu and triggered outrage among other aspirants. Many of them had already begun consultations, mobilizing support, and raising funds for their campaigns when the news broke.

According to sources close to Agbelebu, he was deeply hurt by the move, especially after his professed loyalty to Speaker Obasa and his significant investment in preparing to succeed Egunjobi. He reportedly withdrew from social media for days after hearing the announcement. His supporters, enraged by what they saw as a betrayal, protested vehemently and vowed to resist the imposition of Obasa’s son.

“Agbelebu has paid his dues,” one of his supporters said. “If anyone deserves to become the next chairman of Agege Local Government, it is him. He has served the grassroots diligently and made sacrifices to bring Agege to where it is today.”

Another protester fumed, “It is not fair! How can we serve the father and still be asked to serve the son? Why is it now that it’s Agbelebu’s turn that Obasa is doing all this? Agbelebu is not stepping down for anybody. It’s a fight to the finish!”

Amid growing tensions, Agbelebu reportedly called his supporters to order and announced that he had no intention of going head-to-head with his political leader over the decision to impose his son.

However, it was later gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened by removing AbdulGaniyu Obasa’s name from the chairmanship nomination list submitted to the state. In response, Speaker Obasa, in collaboration with Egunjobi, nominated Tunde Disco, who was the council boss’s original choice, as the replacement candidate.

Despite Tunde Disco’s failing health, he was allegedly helped to the APC Secretariat on Acme Road to fill out his nomination forms and undergo screening. The 73-year-old reportedly had to be physically supported throughout the process.

A source within the party disclosed that Rt. Hon. Obasa allegedly planned his son as the vice-chairman nominee with a long-term plan: once Tunde Disco assumes office, he is expected to resign due to his health condition, allowing AbdulGaniyu to seamlessly take over as chairman. The plan is so advanced, insiders say, that Tunde Disco’s resignation letter has already been prepared.

The list of cleared and successful chairmanship aspirants for Agege Local Government Area, released by the APC Electoral Committee, includes: Akerele Salaudeen Idowu, Sola Osolana, Abiodun Ogunji, Taiwo Olasunkanmi Samuel, Tunde Azeez (Tunde Disco), Bukola Sofidiya and Oduwusi Femi.

Source: city.ng

Anti-Graft Agency EFCC Probes NiMet Director-General Anosike Over Alleged Contract Fraud, Mismanagement Of IGR

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally opened investigations into the Director-General of the gency, Professor Charles Anosike, and members of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) management team over allegations of contract fraud and the mismanagement of internally generated revenue (IGR).
Nigerian fashion

The probe, revealed in an EFCC memo obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday, sparked a two-day strike by the agency staff before the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, intervened to call for calm.

“This Commission is investigating a case involving the Nigeria Meteorology Agency (NIMET) and the need to seek for information from your office has become imperative,” read the EFCC’s letter dated 28th March, 2025, signed by C.E. Abdulkarim Chukkol, Director of Investigation.
Nigerian fashion

 “You are kindly requested to furnish us with the following documents and information to enable us proceed with our investigation: i.   List of contracts executed by NIMET from 2023 to date; ii.  List of registered contractors with the Agency; iii. Evidence of requisite procurement process/procedure sequel to award of contracts; iv.  Details of the account operated by the Agency and v.   And any other information that will assist the Commission in the investigation.”
The letter, which cites sections 38 (1) & (2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, marks the first public confirmation of a formal EFCC inquiry into NIMET’s contracting processes under Professor Anosike’s watch.

Earlier this week, NIMET employees downed tools in protest of what they termed “rising infractions in contract awards” and “opaque handling of agency revenues.” 
A source within the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), who spoke on condition of anonymity, told SaharaReporters: “We had no choice but to strike after repeated appeals to management for transparency fell on deaf ears. Our strike crippled key services, from aviation weather reports to seasonal forecasts critical to farmers.”
The two-day stoppage forced the aviation minister, Keyamo, to summon both NIMET management and union leaders to a meeting on Wednesday, where he urged all parties to “exercise restraint” and “fully cooperate with ongoing investigations.”

In an official statement issued, NIMET’s General Manager, Public Relations, Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, described the EFCC letter as a “routine request” that predates Professor Anosike’s appointment in December 2023:
 “The EFCC has, as part of its standard procedures, asked for documentation on contracts awarded as far back as 2021. No member of our current leadership has been invited for questioning, nor is anyone under indictment. We are fully cooperating with the Commission.”
Ibrahim lamented what he termed “sensational and misleading reporting” that falsely depicted the document request as evidence of corruption within the agency’s current administration.