By THE Secretary of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, has firmly denied media allegations linking her to the alleged misappropriation of N400 million and wider claims of financial impropriety within the commission.
In a statement issued on Thursday made available to Stonix News, Princess Bayo-Ilawole described the reports and insinuations circulating in parts of the media as “baseless, malicious and far from the truth,” stressing that she would not engage in media propaganda or public conjecture over the matter.
“As the most senior civil servant involved in OSOPADEC activities and by virtue of my strategic role as Secretary of the Commission, it is improper to engage in media trials,” she said.
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She stated unequivocally that she remains committed to strict adherence to the procedures and regulatory framework laid down by the Ondo State Government in the discharge of her duties, adding that she would not compromise the laws guiding the operations of the commission under any circumstance.
“I will not be drawn into distractions or public exchanges over baseless allegations. Where anyone has a genuine grievance or contrary position, the appropriate and lawful avenue remains due process, not trial by media,” the statement read.
Princess Bayo-Ilawole further pledged loyalty to the Ondo State Government and vowed not to jeopardise her career “for any pot of porridge,” insisting that she would ensure OSOPADEC faithfully fulfils the purpose for which it was established.
“Above all, I will not collude to defraud my people. That is my position, and I stand by it,” she said.
Her response follows a wave of allegations making the rounds online, claiming that over N4 billion belonging to OSOPADEC was allegedly diverted into private accounts linked to individuals, including staff of the commission.
The reports also alleged that some staff members hurriedly refunded about N70 million amid fears of impending investigations.
