OSOPADEC Rejects Links to Ondo Assembly Crisis and Warns of Legal Action

The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has dismissed attempts to associate the Commission with the ongoing crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly, warning that legal action will be taken against individuals or organisations spreading what it describes as false and defamatory claims.

In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media and Corporate Affairs, Godson Ewata, OSOPADEC said it has no involvement in the internal affairs of the State Assembly and operates strictly within its statutory and constitutional mandate.

The Commission said its relationship with the legislature is limited to official administrative and legal processes, stressing that decisions taken by the House of Assembly remain the exclusive responsibility of lawmakers.

OSOPADEC accused some bloggers, media outlets and social media commentators of engaging in a sustained campaign of misinformation by attempting to link the Commission and its leadership to the political dispute.

It said any further effort to associate the Commission with matters outside its legal responsibilities would be viewed as a deliberate attempt to damage its reputation and mislead the public.

The statement added that, despite repeated criticism and what it described as politically motivated attacks since the current administration took office, the Commission remains focused on delivering infrastructure and development projects across Ondo State’s oil-producing communities.

OSOPADEC also reminded journalists, publishers and content creators of their legal and professional duty to verify information before publication, warning that defamatory or fabricated reports could result in legal proceedings.

The Commission said it would vigorously pursue all lawful measures to protect its institutional integrity while urging parties involved in the Assembly dispute to resolve their differences through constitutional and legal channels without drawing OSOPADEC into the conflict.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and sustainable development, OSOPADEC said it would remain focused on improving the welfare of residents in the state’s oil-producing areas and would not be distracted by political controversy.