Ondo Devt Area Secretary Denies N400m Fraud Allegation, Seeks Due Process

The Secretary of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, has dismissed allegations that N400m was misappropriated under her watch.

She described the reports as unfounded, misleading and lacking any factual basis.

In a statement over the weekend, Bayo-Ilawole said the claims, circulated in sections of the media, should not be subjected to public speculation or media trial.

The OSOPADEC secretary said that, as the most senior civil servant in the commission, it would be improper for her to engage in propaganda or conjecture about what she called baseless accusations.

She stressed that she had consistently carried out her duties in line with established procedures and the regulatory framework of the Ondo State Government.

“I will, under no circumstance, compromise the law guiding the operations of the commission,” she said.

Bayo-Ilawole noted that issues of accountability should be addressed through recognised legal and administrative channels, not through public exchanges.

According to her, anyone with genuine concerns should seek redress through due process rather than resort to what she termed ‘trial by media’.

She reaffirmed her loyalty to the Ondo State Government and pledged continued commitment to transparency, accountability and the statutory mandate of OSOPADEC.

The commission was established to drive development in oil-producing communities across the state.

“I will not compromise my career for any pot of porridge, nor collude with anyone to defraud the people,” she added. “That is my position, and I stand by it.”