In a recent development in the Mende community of Maryland, Kosofe Local Government Area, concerns have been raised over an alleged illegal structure erected on government drainage by a beneficiary of the council’s financial empowerment scheme. The beneficiary, Olubunmi Aro, purportedly utilized funds intended for business startup to install a permanent gate on a drainage system that extends onto a public road.
According to a concerned resident, Adewale Adenuga, who penned a letter to KosofePost, the unauthorized structure poses health risks to the community, potentially exposing residents to cholera and other health hazards due to unsanitary conditions where the business operates.
Adenuga highlighted that despite claims by Olubunmi Aro that she had received approval from Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe, the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, investigations have revealed otherwise. In an exclusive chat with KosofePost, Barrister Ogunlewe vehemently denied authorizing any such structure, clarifying that he had only disbursed financial assistance amounting to 500,000 Naira to support Olubunmi Aro’s business startup.
“It is unfortunate that Ms. Aro has misrepresented the purpose of the funds provided by the council,” stated Barrister Ogunlewe. “My office did not approve any construction on public drainage. The funds were strictly meant to facilitate her business activities, not for erecting structures on government property.”
The controversy has stirred discontent among residents of Mende, prompting calls for immediate action from Barrister Ogunlewe to rectify the situation and uphold community standards. Despite notifications delivered to his office and personal communication channels, the Chairman has yet to respond officially to the allegations.
Residents of Mende have urged Barrister Ogunlewe to take decisive measures to address the illegal structure and restore his reputation within the community. They emphasize the importance of maintaining public infrastructure and ensuring that financial support provided by the council is used responsibly for its intended purpose.
Efforts to reach Olubunmi Aro for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. KosofePost continues to monitor developments in this story as community members await a response from Kosofe Local Government authorities.