The Secretary of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, has denied allegations making rounds in section of media that ₦400 million was misappropriated in connection with the commission, describing the reports as unfounded and misleading.
Bayo-Ilawole, in a statement on Thursday, said the insinuations were far from the truth and should not be adjudicated in the media space.
She said that as the most senior civil servant involved in OSOPADEC’s operations and the Secretary of the Commission, it would be improper for her to engage in what she termed media propaganda or conjecture over baseless claims.
The OSOPADEC secretary stressed that she has continued to discharge her duties strictly in line with the procedures and regulatory framework laid down by the Ondo State Government.
“I will, under no circumstance, compromise the law guiding the operations of the Commission,” she said.
Bayo-Ilawole added that she would not allow herself to be distracted by public exchanges over allegations that lack factual or legal basis, noting that accountability issues should be addressed through established legal and administrative channels.
According to her, anyone with a genuine grievance or contrary position should seek redress through due process rather than resorting to what she described as trial by media.
She reaffirmed her loyalty to the Ondo State Government and her commitment to transparency, accountability and the statutory mandate of OSOPADEC, which was established to drive development in oil-producing communities of the state.
“My resolve remains firm: I will act within the confines of the law; I will stand by the Government of Ondo State; I will not compromise my career for any pot of porridge, and I will ensure that the Commission faithfully achieves the purpose for which it was established,” she said.
Bayo-Ilawole further emphasised that she would not collude with anyone to defraud the people of the oil-producing areas of Ondo State.
“That is my position, and I stand by it,” she said.
