Wale Adedayo, the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government in Ogun State, has been removed from office by the local legislative council. This decision follows a series of allegations concerning financial mismanagement and misuse of funds. Adedayo had previously been suspended by the council due to these allegations.
The announcement of his impeachment came through a statement from the Leader of the Legislative Council, Fasheyi Akindele. It was revealed that Adedayo admitted to diverting Federal allocations intended for the council for purposes other than what the State Government had approved.
In the statement, Akindele explained, “The councillors of Ijebu East Local Government of Ogun State earlier today impeached the suspended Chairman of the local government, Hon. Wale Adedayo, over allegations of financial misappropriation and diversion of council funds, among other allegations made against him.”
Akindele continued, “After a series of invitations by the House, which were ignored in the past, Adedayo eventually appeared before the legislative council today as the councillors continued their probe of the chairman. The suspended Chairman owned up before the full house of 11 councillors that he diverted Federal allocations sent to the Council by the State Government and used them for purposes other than what the State Government approved.”
Additionally, it was revealed that Adedayo had spent council funds up to August 2023, despite the budget only allowing expenditure until March of the same year. He also admitted to using funds meant for 290 chairs and tables to produce only 20 pieces.
Regarding the issue of illegal levies and strikes on commercial transport operators in the local government, Adedayo claimed he believed the House had passed the necessary bill. However, it was pointed out that such bills require joint approval by the Leader of the House and the Council Chairman.
After a three-hour deliberation, the councillors held a vote, resulting in five councillors in favor of Adedayo’s impeachment, four against, and one abstention.
This impeachment follows Adedayo’s earlier suspension, which was related to his allegations of financial misconduct against the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
After his suspension, Adedayo was detained by the Department of State Security Services for three days due to inciting comments that were seen as potentially disruptive to public peace. He was released on September 4, 2023.