It is no longer news that the Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, is facing increasing public scrutiny and legislative backlash over what many describe as a blatant abuse of office and disregard for democratic principles.
However, he has resulted to a deliberate creating a different and false impression in the media in a bid to garner public sympathy.
Setting the record straight, since assumption of office, Hon. Omolayo has governed the local government council as if it were his own inheritance.
Very surprising, and on several occasions, he has rejected efforts to uphold the principles of Check and Balance in the Local Government Administration.
He has sidestepped due process, ignored institutional checks, and made unilateral decisions, raising serious questions about transparency, accountability, and leadership ethics which is expected of every elected office holders.
In any functional democracy, public office is a huge trust — a responsibility to lead with integrity, openness, and respect for the rule of law.
However, Hon. Omolayo has allegedly chosen a different path, running the council with a level of impunity that has alarmed both legislators and the public on several occasions.
Another contentious decision was the unilateral creation of the Owo Security Network, a local security outfit launched without broad consultation or legislative backing.
It will be recalled that some time ago, when the Owo Security Network Bill was first presented to the floor of the legislative arm, the legislators, whose responsibility is to maintain law and order, ensured they did their work as elected.
According to reports, they conducted a wide-ranging consultation in order to ensure that the bill, if passed, did not degenerate into another issue beyond control.
Following discussions with security experts, Legal Luminaries, community and political leaders both at the state and local levels, to ensure the council did not end up creating a problem while trying to solve one, it was agreed that the Security Bill be set aside, while the local council worked hand-in-hand with already established security bodies, such as the Nigerian Army, Police, NSCDC, Amotekun, and the Local Security Vigilantes.
The legislative house then proceeded to dismiss the Bill at the floor of the house, also to avoid duplication of already existing efforts.
However, despite these efforts by the highest law-making body of the Local Government, the Suspended Chairman proceeded with the creation of the Security Outfit, which directly affronts the legislative arm, the law and constitution of the Federal Government under which they all swore the oath of allegiance.
While community security is a legitimate concern, critics argue that such an initiative should have followed due legislative process and been subjected to proper community engagement, budgeting, and oversight.
The series of alleged infractions and disregard for due process have eroded public confidence in Hon. Omolayo's leadership. What began as a promising tenure has now become mired in controversy, with increasing calls for transparency, accountability, and a full investigation into the management of council funds and activities.
One of the most damning accusations against the Chairman is his consistent disregard for the legislative arm of the local government.
Reports indicate that he frequently takes key administrative and financial decisions without consulting or securing approval from the legislature, thereby undermining the very essence of checks and balances in a democratic system.
This pattern of sidelining elected Councilors, whose duty beyond Lawmaking, is to also perform some oversight functions, has created growing tension within the council, culminating in his recent indefinite suspension by the legislative arm for alleged _gross misconduct.
The Oke-Mapo Renovation Scandal, perhaps the most glaring example of leadership mismanagement under Hon. Omolayo's leadership is the controversial Oke-Mapo Hall renovation project.
According to internal sources, the council reportedly received a sum ₦50 million for Project. The renovation of the historic Mapo Hall facility, came to bane. Instead of utilizing the funds for a comprehensive overhaul of the Mapo Hall structure, the Chairman reportedly chose — without legislative input — to merely construct a fence and paint, leaving the main building in its dilapidated and sorry state.
This decision has sparked outrage among community members, who view it as a deliberate misuse of public funds and a betrayal of public trust.
As Owo Local Government navigates this crisis, the people are watching closely.
Democracy must be allowed to thrives on transparency, respect for institutions, and responsible governance — values that must not be compromised, no matter who holds office. Hence, Hon., Tope Omolayo Must be allowed to answer his queries, leave office, to allow proper investigations to the allegations of gross misconducts leveled against him, by the highest law-making body of the Local Government.
Bamidele Adeniran
A concerned Owo Youth.
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