OSOPADEC Rejects ₦400m Allegation, Says Protest Fueled by Personal Agenda
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has dismissed claims linking its Chairman to an alleged ₦400 million payment, describing the protest at its headquarters as misguided, deceptive, and driven by personal interests.
The Commission clarified that no ₦400 million was approved, released, or paid to the Chairman or any individual, stressing that the allegation is false, baseless, and deliberately misleading.
Following a security operation on 18 October 2025 in Obe-Nla, Obe-Adun, and Obe-Jedo communities—triggered by illegal bunkering activities—some properties were damaged and injuries recorded during resistance to lawful arrest. In response, the OSOPADEC Board, led by Prince Biyi Poroye, immediately visited the communities, engaged security authorities, and worked to restore calm.
After consultations, OSOPADEC obtained Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s approval on 7 January 2026 to provide humanitarian palliatives to affected residents. This decision was publicly announced, not secretly executed.
To ensure transparency, a nine-member Implementation Committee was set up to assess damages and oversee fair distribution. Community leaders themselves insisted that palliatives must not be handed to any single individual to avoid diversion.
OSOPADEC revealed that the protest leader demanded direct control of the funds and threatened disruption when this was refused. The Chairman rejected the demand, insisting that public resources are governed by due process—not intimidation. The protest followed shortly after.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, transparency, and institutional discipline, warning against the misuse of religious or community platforms for personal gain.
OSOPADEC will proceed with the distribution of humanitarian support strictly through the approved committee and remains focused on its mandate to serve oil-producing communities lawfully and without fear or favour.
Signed:
Godson Ewata
Director, Media & Corporate Affairs
