...Vows to Make a Scapegoat of the Perpetrators
The Ekimogun Roundtable, a socio-economic advocacy group made up of Ondo indigenes both at home and in the diaspora, has renewed its call for accountability over what it describes as the mismanagement of constituency projects in the Ondo East/West Federal Constituency — particularly the controversial ₦500 million Ondo City Library project and a slew of questionable empowerment schemes.
In a statement signed by its Acting Secretary, Ms. Christiana Ayodele, and issued to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the group decried the conduct of those behind the projects, describing them as "economic warlords waging a monumental war against the well-being of the people of Ondo City — raking in billions and giving back peanuts, all while parading themselves as benefactors."
Ms. Ayodele revealed that the group is in possession of credible documents indicating that over ₦4 billion was allocated to the constituency between 2021 and 2024, yet many of the associated projects flouted procurement regulations and were falsely presented as personal philanthropy by an elected official.
Ondo City Library Called a “Community Heist”
The ₦500 million Ondo City Library project was described as a “community heist,” allegedly designed to divert public funds under the guise of development.“These projects, supposedly facilitated by National Assembly members representing our constituency, consistently violate procurement laws and basic transparency standards,” the statement read.
“It is laughable that some people now celebrate the planned extension of the capital implementation window of the 2024 Appropriation Act — as if more time will clean up already mismanaged funds. Only unserious students rejoice over an exam extension rather than prepare adequately — a poor attempt to mask incompetence.”
The group also cited public disclosures made by responsible lawmakers in other constituencies, confirming that federal legislators receive over ₦1 billion annually for constituency projects. Instead of accountability, the Roundtable lamented, some representatives in Ondo have chosen to sponsor “economically deprived loyalists” to defend the indefensible, mistaking public awareness for foolishness.
Dubious Empowerment Programs and Contract Splitting
According to the Roundtable, numerous empowerment schemes and infrastructure projects lacked needs assessments, featured unverifiable beneficiary lists, and displayed signs of contract splitting and undue personalisation. In several cases, project funds were allegedly disbursed ahead of execution, raising further suspicions of fraud.
“The pattern of infractions strongly suggests that these projects were designed less to benefit the community and more to serve as conduits for personal enrichment,” the group stated.
Petition to BPP and Possible EFCC Involvement
The group disclosed that it is actively engaging the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to conduct a comprehensive audit of the constituency projects. Should the audit reveal criminal breaches, the Roundtable vowed to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute those involved — “making a scapegoat of the fleece” to serve as a warning.
Commitment to Transparency in 2025 Budget Implementation
Looking ahead, the Roundtable pledged to closely monitor the over ₦2 billion in projects earmarked for the constituency in the 2025 budget, with the aim of ensuring full transparency, value for money, and maximum benefit to the Ondo people.
“We owe it to our community — at home and abroad — to ensure that public funds are not hijacked by private interests. Not a kobo must be left untraced,” the statement concluded.