OSOPADEC CRISIS: WHY GOVERNOR AYEDATIWA IS URGED TO DISSOLVE THE CURRENT BOARD - EBIWANNO

WHY GOVERNOR AYEDATIWA IS URGED TO DISSOLVE THE CURRENT BOARD - EBIWANNO


A legal practitioner, Barrister Lade Ebiwanno, has called on Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to urgently dissolve the current board of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), citing allegations of internal crisis, rivalry and declining public confidence within the commission.

In a strongly worded opinion made available, Ebiwanno said the call was motivated by concerns over the integrity, effectiveness and public perception of OSOPADEC, which is mandated to drive development in oil-producing communities of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.

According to him, OSOPADEC was established to address the developmental challenges arising from oil exploration, including environmental degradation, ecological damage and threats to livelihoods in the mandate areas. However, he alleged that persistent internal disputes and allegations of financial impropriety have continued to undermine the commission’s performance.

Ebiwanno specifically pointed to what he described as an unhealthy rivalry between the Chairman of the commission, Mr. Biyi Poroye, and the Secretary, Princess Abike Ilawole, noting that the situation has allegedly stalled effective decision-making and programme execution.

He argued that the reported tensions and allegations, whether proven or not, risk damaging the image of Governor Aiyedatiwa, particularly among residents of the oil-producing communities who have high expectations from his administration.

The lawyer noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s emergence as the first governor from Ilaje extraction raised significant hope among residents of the mandate areas, many of whom believe the administration represents an opportunity to address longstanding grievances linked to environmental pollution, social injustice and underdevelopment.

“Whatever happens under an administration, whether by action or inaction, is ultimately attributed to the governor,” Ebiwanno stated, stressing that leadership requires proactive steps to preserve public trust and institutional credibility.

He further warned that prolonged inaction could set what he described as a dangerous precedent that might allow future administrations, especially those not drawn from the mandate areas, to continue policies perceived as neglectful of oil-producing communities.

Ebiwanno urged the governor to prioritise institutional reform over political considerations, adding that the dissolution of the current OSOPADEC board would allow for a reset focused on accountability, transparency and effective service delivery.

He maintained that urgent intervention would help restore confidence in the commission and reaffirm the government’s commitment to the welfare of Ilaje and Ese-Odo communities.

Calling for swift action, Ebiwanno concluded that early corrective measures would prevent deeper institutional damage and safeguard the integrity of the current administration.

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