Residents of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have staged a peaceful protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly to call for the removal of Chairman Eti-Osa LCDA, Mr. John Campos Ogundare, over allegation of embezzling N1.9 billion.
The protesters, led by Mr. Segun Williams, emphasized the urgent need for the Chairman’s removal to prevent worse scenario even as the federal allocation gets jerked and by extension accruals coming to the LCDA increases.
Williams stated that Ogundare had been indicted in an investigative report by the legislative council for misappropriating the Council’s 2023 budget, warranting his removal from office.
In a bid to drive home their demand,the protesters were seen wielding placards with various inscriptions like; “Eti Osa East Concerned Youths say John Ogundare must go now. No to Yahoo Chairman.
“Ogundare threatened Councillors for observing legislative oversight,Remove John Campos Ogundare now.
“Save Eti Osa East LCDA from further corruption, Lagos Assembly save Eti Osa LCDA legislative council from executive rascality.”
“We seek his suspension pending the conclusion of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s investigation into the matter. The allegations against the Chairman were outlined in a report sent to your distinguished selves on 19th December 2023,” Williams said.
The report, signed by the majority leader of Eti-Osa LCDA, revealed that the Chairman had diverted funds designated for critical sectors such as health and education. Further allegations raised by the protesters included failure to pay running costs to various Council departments in accordance with the 2023 budget, neglecting balance payments to past political office holders against governmental advice, unauthorized project execution, and contract awards without legislative approval.
The Chairman was also accused of non-adherence to the 2023 budget for school and primary healthcare construction/renovation, as well as failure to comply with legislative requests for income and expenditure records. He was found to have consistently approved contracts exceeding his limit of N35 million.
The Councilors also accused the LCDA treasurer and auditor of dereliction of duty for withholding financial details and comprehensive activity reports.
Addressing the press, Hon. Adebola Shabi (Lagos Mainland 2) was accompanied by Hon. Abiodun Orekoya (Somolu 1) and Hon. Solomon Boonu from Badagry constituency 1, he assured the protesters of the House’s intervention and urged them to peacefully return to their homes.
Hon. Shabi expressed appreciation for the peaceful manner the protest was carried out and assured the residents of justice on behalf of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. He confirmed that their own investigation was ongoing to address the allegations.
“I assure you that you will get justice, I was part of the committee and we are doing our investigation and I am sure once we are done yo