OSOPADEC Officials Accused of Certificate Forgery: Petition Filed with ICPC Amid Allegations and Denials
significant controversy has erupted within the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) as the newly appointed Secretary, Mrs. Abike Justinah Bayo-Ilawole, and the Commission’s Director of Administration and Supply, Mr. Akinsola Orisamoluwa, face serious allegations of certificate forgery. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been petitioned to investigate these claims.
The petition was filed by Mr. Semudara Kayode, a Grade Level 16 officer at OSOPADEC. Through his attorney, Barrister Femi Emmanuel Emodamori, Kayode has alleged that both senior officials misrepresented their academic qualifications, thus potentially conferring unfair advantages on themselves.
According to the petition, Mrs. Justinah Bayo-Ilawole, who was recently appointed as the Secretary of OSOPADEC by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is accused of falsely claiming to have obtained her Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, in 2001. In reality, it is claimed she received the MPA in 2003. Similarly, Mr. Akinsola Orisamoluwa, the Director of Administration and Supply, is alleged to have falsely stated that he earned his MPA from OAU in 2000, whereas he actually graduated in 2002.
The petition also highlights that Mr. Kayode has faced severe backlash for exposing these alleged discrepancies. Despite initially writing to Governor Aiyedatiwa on July 11, 2024, requesting an inquiry, and subsequently reminding the Governor through his lawyer on July 17, 2024, there has been no action taken. According to the petition, Mr. Kayode has endured persecution and threats from the very officials he reported.
Read Also:
The attorney’s petition urges the ICPC to conduct an immediate investigation, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations under Section 25 and other related sections of the Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Act. The petition calls for a thorough examination to ensure accountability and transparency.
In response to the allegations, Mrs. Abike Justinah Bayo-Ilawole dismissed the claims as “spurious and fraudulent.” Speaking via telephone, she asserted, “I don’t have issues with my certificate. You have a message to deliver? If you have something you need, say it. The one you are talking about is fraud (419); it can’t work on me. I have no reason to forge a certificate. I have no reason to have a certificate scandal.”
Attempts to contact Mr. Akinsola Orisamoluwa were unsuccessful. However, OSOPADEC’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Godson Ewata, stated he was unaware of any allegations against the senior officials.
As the ICPC considers the petition, the situation remains fluid, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for OSOPADEC and its leadership.
Source: Leadership Newspaper
OSOPADEC Secretary, Director Drag To ICPC Over Alleged Cert Forgery
