The Oyo State governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Bimbo Adekanmbi, has challenged Senator Sharafadeen Alli to publicly address allegations of financial impropriety levelled against him over his tenure as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government.
Adekanmbi issued the challenge during a state broadcast on Fresh FM Political Circuit programme, hosted by ace broadcast journalist, Mayor Isaac Brown in Ibadan on Saturday, where he questioned Alli’s advocacy for local government autonomy and demanded that he explain how he would protect grassroots funds and guarantee effective administration at the local government level.
The former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, who served under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, alleged that Alli’s tenure as Ibadan North local government chairman was associated with unpaid workers’ salaries and reports of financial misconduct.
Adekanmbi also referred to allegations concerning funds meant for the procurement of land for the local government, claiming that Alli had been asked to account for 19 hectares of land.
The claims were made during the broadcast and were not independently verified.
“Till date, there is no local government autonomy anywhere in Nigeria,”
Adekanmbi said, arguing that the debate should focus on protecting the interests of residents and ensuring that local government funds are properly managed.
He further questioned whether local government autonomy had been effectively practised during previous administrations in Oyo State, alleging that workers, including teachers, had experienced salary arrears under the leadership of some local government chairmen.
Adekanmbi said the Joint Account Committee (JAC) arrangement followed concerns about local government administrations allegedly withholding workers’ salaries and using financial control to put employees under pressure.
He also cited reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had raised concerns about some local government chairmen allegedly moving public funds into cryptocurrency accounts, saying the issue required scrutiny.
“For me, the interest of the people at the grassroots will be paramount, autonomy or no autonomy,” he said.
The APM candidate subsequently challenged Alli to defend himself against the allegations and present evidence to support his position on local government autonomy.
“I am declaring now in this studio that I am ready to become the campaign manager of Sharafadeen Alli if he can call into the studio before 2pm and defend the allegations of Financial Misconduct against him,” Adekanmbi said.
He added that he would be willing to step down from his position as a governorship candidate and serve as Alli’s campaign manager if the senator could demonstrate, with evidence and records, how he intended to guarantee effective local government autonomy.
“If he can also tell the people of Oyo State, with evidence and records beyond reasonable doubt, how he will guarantee local government autonomy, I am ready to step down and be his campaign manager,” he said.
Adekanmbi’s comments formed part of a broader discussion on the management of public resources, workers’ welfare and the future of local government administration in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Meanwhile, the allegations against Alli remain claims made by Adekanmbi during the radio programme and should not be taken as established findings of wrongdoing by Goalpoachernews.
Alli’s response to the allegations was not contained in the interview as Goalpoachernews and the public await his response.
