OSOPADEC Debunks ₦400 Million Claim, Describes Protest as Misguided and Driven by Personal Interests

OSOPADEC Debunks ₦400 Million Claim, Describes Protest as Misguided and Driven by Personal Interests

PRESS RELEASE

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), has taken note of the protest staged at its headquarters and considers it necessary, in the interest of public accountability and factual clarity, to address the misinformation surrounding the incident-particularly the unfounded allegation of a ₦400 million payment purportedly linked to the Commission’s Chairman.

While OSOPADEC ordinarily refrains from responding to theatrics and distractions, the gravity of the false narratives being circulated compels the Commission to set the record straight.

On 18th October, 2025, security operatives conducted an operation in Obe-Nla, Obe-Adun and Obe-Jedo communities following the discovery of illegal bunkering activities. During the operation, some structures were damaged, and a number of residents sustained injuries when suspects resisted lawful arrest.

In response, the OSOPADEC Board, led by its Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye, promptly visited the affected communities to express solidarity, assess the situation firsthand, and appeal for calm. The Board also engaged with the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peace.
Subsequently, and following extensive consultations, the Commission sought and obtained the approval of the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on 7th January, 2026 to provide humanitarian palliatives to the affected communities. This approval was publicly announced by the Chairman, leaving no room for secrecy or misrepresentation.

Contrary to claims being circulated by the protest organisers, OSOPADEC did not approve, authorise, or release ₦400 million to its Chairman or to any individual. Assertions that such funds were fixed in a separate government account for personal benefit are entirely false, baseless, and deliberately misleading. Government resources are subject to due process, and transparency and accountability remain non-negotiable principles of this administration.

In furtherance of fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, the Chairman invited the leader of the protest, Pst. Okun Omosohane Michael Obadiah, alongside civil rights activist, Comrade Babatunde Omobone, for a formal engagement. At this meeting, it was clearly explained that, given the number of affected communities, a nine-member Implementation Committee had been duly constituted to assess damages and oversee the equitable distribution of the approved humanitarian palliatives.

The Implementation Committee comprises:
Rev. (Dr.) Ola Judah – OSOPADEC Board Member (Chairman)

Princess Ronke Efurubu – Board Member (Member)

Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, PhD – OSOPADEC Secretary (Member)

AP. Sola Orisamoluwa – Director, General Administration & Supplies (Member)

Comrade Kayode Ebiseni – Director, Community Welfare (Member)

Engr. Dare Oretan – Director, Public Utilities & Direct Labour, Area Office (Member)

Mr. Ishola Omoyele – Special Assistant to the Chairman on Community Affairs (Member)

Barr. Tunde Omobone – Representative, Ilaje OMURO WW Connect (Member)

Mr. Austin Iyanoye – Coordinator/Director of Administration, Area Office (Secretary)

It is also on record that several community leaders expressly requested that the palliatives should not be handed over to any single individual, but rather distributed directly by the Commission through the constituted committee, to prevent diversion and abuse.

Disturbingly, the protest leader reportedly demanded that the funds be released directly to him, accompanied by threats to mobilise protests and disrupt the Commission’s operations should his demand not be met. The Chairman firmly rejected this demand, reiterating that humanitarian support is a privilege anchored on due process—not an entitlement subject to intimidation, coercion or blackmail. This refusal directly precipitated the protest.

OSOPADEC remains fully aware that reform, transparency and institutional discipline often attract resistance from entrenched interests. The Commission therefore anticipates further attempts at distraction but remains unwavering in its commitment to prudence, accountability and service delivery in the best interest of oil-producing communities.

For the avoidance of doubt, the intervention undertaken by the Chairman was purely humanitarian, despite the fact that the original incident arose from illegal activities. His personal appeal to the government made the relief effort possible.
OSOPADEC further cautions against the misuse of religious or community platforms to mislead, coerce or exploit citizens for personal gain. Such actions undermine public order, communal harmony and institutional integrity.

The Commission reiterates that the distribution of humanitarian palliatives will be carried out strictly by the duly constituted Implementation Committee, in line with approved procedures. OSOPADEC will continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities lawfully, transparently and without fear or favour, in service of the people it was established to serve.

Signed:
Godson Ewata
Director, Media & Corporate Affairs