A former chairman of Ewekoro Local Government Area in Ogun State, Adesina Sikiru Adisa, has acknowledged before the Ogun State House of Assembly that his administration leased several acres of government-owned land to certain politicians for a 99-year term while he was in office.
Adisa, who appeared before the Assembly’s Committee on Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption, maintained that the lease agreements were executed in accordance with due process. However, he specifically identified Ibrahim Isiaka, a member representing Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, as the primary beneficiary of the land leases.
The admission followed a petition by the group “Concerned Citizens of Ewekoro Local Government,” which accused Adisa’s administration of illegally selling and leasing local government property for 99 years in a fraudulent manner. Responding to the petition, the House Committee summoned the former chairman after questioning the Head of Local Administration (HOLGA) of the council, Mrs. Kemi Ogunyewo, along with other officials.
In his defense, Adisa stated that all leased land agreements involving the NASS member were conducted with the approval of the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FIGPC) of Ewekoro LGA. He clarified that the property and land in question were leased to the representative through three separate applications, all originating from the same person.
However, Adisa’s defense contradicted statements from the HOLGA, who previously informed the Committee that there were records of four parcels of land leased to the federal lawmaker, not just one as Adisa claimed. According to Adisa, the land was leased for the purpose of constructing a youth skill acquisition center.
Documents submitted by Ogunyewo to the committee also revealed that one of the leased plots of land, where a privately-owned shopping complex stands, has not paid rent for the past seven years.
In light of these revelations, the House Committee has summoned Representative Isiaka to appear before it. The committee has adjourned its proceedings until Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
