The Akoko-Edo Local Government Council of Edo state has dismissed as false and politically motivated allegations circulating on social media that its Chairman, Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, diverted a purported N100 million Christmas package allegedly provided by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Mr. Ajayi Julius, the council described claims that ₦40 million was shared with the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Kabiru Adjoto, as “malicious fabrications” aimed at discrediting the council leadership and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The statement stressed that no such funds were misappropriated and that no illegal sharing of public resources took place. It added that the allegations ignore established financial procedures, noting that the council chairman is not the sole signatory to local government accounts, making claims of unilateral withdrawal of N73 million into a private Zenith Bank account “misleading and illogical.”
According to the council, recent tensions escalated after the APC Chairman in Akoko-Edo, Hon. Monday Oseh, alongside the Secretary of the Local Government, Topa Okomayin, allegedly brought individuals to the council secretariat under the guise of party activities. During the incident, the chairman and some aides were reportedly confined to their offices and subjected to harassment, an episode later circulated widely in a viral video.
The council further alleged that the forceful seizure of the chairman’s official vehicle and other items, described as a “commando-style operation,” was carried out based on what it termed an unverified directive, reflecting what it called the extreme lengths some individuals are willing to go in pursuit of personal and political interests.
The statement called on APC leadership at all levels to investigate the incident and determine whether the actions align with party discipline or constitute an attempt to destabilize governance at the local level.
“Internal party disagreements should be resolved through established mechanisms, not through public spectacles that damage the image of the party, the governor, and the government,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to governance, the council said it remains focused on delivering development and democratic dividends to the people of Akoko-Edo in line with the SHINE agenda of the Edo State Government. It urged residents to disregard what it described as unfounded allegations and to continue supporting the council and state leadership.