Ogun State, Nigeria – A scene of humility and reconciliation unfolded on Tuesday as local government council chairmen in Ogun State approached Governor Dapo Abiodun to seek forgiveness for a petition that had caused controversy.
The Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area, Wale Adedayo, had previously accused the governor of withholding local government allocations, sparking a debate over the utilization of funds intended for grassroots development.
Adedayo also lodged a complaint with anti-corruption agencies, alleging financial mismanagement by the governor.
Governor Abiodun, through his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, addressed the issue by clarifying that local government funds were managed by the constitutionally recognized Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) to ensure fair distribution and accountability.
In a surprising turn of events, the local government chairmen, led by the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Babatunde Emilola-Gazal, visited the governor’s office to seek forgiveness.
The chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Wale Adedayo, who was at the center of the controversy, was also present.
A viral video captured the moment ALGON chairman, Emilola-Gazal, expressed regret on behalf of his colleagues and, specifically, Adedayo.
He said, “Your Excellency, we have come here to beg you as a father that you are, as a father of all in the state, we want you to forgive us. Your Excellency, if you don’t forgive us, who do we run to? So, on behalf of all of us, I am tendering this apology and, in particular, on behalf of Wale Adedayo.”
He then proceeded to prostrate alongside his colleagues in a display of humility.
Governor Abiodun responded to the council chairmen’s plea with a reminder that his focus had always been on serving the state with sincerity.