A group of concerned and aggrieved residents of the Abudu Community have formally petitioned the Ogun State Directorate of Community Development Associations, calling for immediate intervention into what they describe as years of unchecked mismanagement and stagnation by current leaders of the Abudu Area Community Development Committee (ACDC).
The petition, which names Chief George Owolabi, a zonal executive of the ACDC, and Mr. Waheed Banimore, the outgoing Chairman of Abudu ACDC, highlights allegations of widespread misappropriation of funds, abuse of office, and failure to uphold constitutional responsibilities as stipulated in the Ogun State CDA guidelines.
According to the petitioners, the leadership has abandoned their constitutional duties as supervisors of the CDAs in favor of money collection roles, leading to financial mismanagement and the derailing of critical development projects.
Key Issues Raised:
Diversion of Community Funds: Residents allege there is no accountability or transparency in the management of revenue generated through voluntary contributions, government grants-in-aid, and community support funds. Gifts and items intended for youth empowerment programs have also allegedly been diverted.
Abandoned and Dilapidated Projects: Vital infrastructure projects, including the Abudu Public Health Centre, Community Market, Police Post, and several CDA buildings, have been abandoned or left in disrepair. Some of these structures, notably the Abudu Town Hall, have reportedly become havens for criminal activity, including the open sale and use of illicit substances such as Indian hemp.
Lack of Supervision and Public Order: Many CDAs within the Abudu Community reportedly lack basic security measures such as night watchmen, resulting in a rise in burglaries and insecurity across several streets.
The aggrieved residents are calling on the Ogun State Government and relevant authorities to:
1. Investigate all abandoned and unaccounted-for community projects.
2. Audit the finances and project implementation under the outgoing leadership.
3. Conduct a free, fair, and transparent election into the executive offices of the Abudu ACDC.
4. Install credible, democratically elected leaders who will uphold the constitution, promote public order, and effectively supervise all CDAs under their jurisdiction.
“We can no longer fold our arms while the development of our community is sabotaged. Other communities are progressing with the same resources we are being denied. We demand leadership that is accountable, transparent, and truly committed to grassroots development,” said a spokesperson for the concerned residents.
This petition marks a pivotal moment in the community’s ongoing struggle for justice, equity, and progress.
