Fresh allegations of large-scale financial impropriety have thrown the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) into turmoil, with fingers pointed at the Commission’s Secretary, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, who is also the sister of His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Governor of Ondo State.
According to multiple internal sources, Princess Bayo-Ilawole is accused of allegedly diverting over ₦.4 billion belonging to OSOPADEC into a private bank account reportedly linked to her biological father, HRM Oba Kolawole Andrew Ikuesan, the Olubo of Obenla kingdom, the town where the Governor hails from and other staff of the commission.
The allegations, which have sent shockwaves through the commission, are said to have triggered panic among staff members allegedly involved in the transaction.
Sources disclosed that about ₦70 million has already been hurriedly refunded by one OSOPADEC staff, Engr. Olubunmi Filani, who allegedly benefited from the funds, following fears that investigations may be imminent.
One senior OSOPADEC staff member, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, claimed that internal documents and bank transaction records exist to back the allegations. The source alleged that the funds were moved without due process and outside the knowledge of key management officials.
The whistleblower further raised concerns over what was described as the “extravagant lifestyle” of the Secretary, which, according to him, is inconsistent with her status as a Level 16 civil servant.
Among the allegations are claims that OSOPADEC funds were used to finance:
1. The construction of the Olubo Event Centre in Igbokoda
2. Acquisition of multiple properties in choice areas of Akure
3. Ongoing property development in Lekki, Lagos
“These projects are far beyond what her legitimate income can support,” the source alleged, adding that official OSOPADEC documents have been unlawfully released by the Secretary to cover financial tracks and to attract public sympathy ahead of investigations.
These actions, staff members claim, have worsened staff morale and deepened operational paralysis within the commission.
The situation has reportedly created widespread anxiety among workers, many of whom fear that the commission is being crippled by internal power struggles and alleged abuse of office.
As of the time of filing this report, no official response has been obtained from the OSOPADEC Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye and the Secretary, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole or the Ondo State Government. Repeated attempts to reach OSOPADEC management for clarification were unsuccessful.
Political observers say the allegations, if not promptly and transparently addressed, could deepen public mistrust in OSOPADEC and raise serious questions about governance, accountability, and oversight in the management of intervention funds meant for oil-producing communities.
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