By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Special Adviser on Boundary Matters for Kosofe Local Government, Ganiyu Olamiji Oyebanjo, has accused the council chairman, Moyosore Ogunlewe, of corruption and attempts to silence him through arrest and misinformation.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Oyebanjo detailed the events leading to his arrest by the Zone II Police Command on March 11, 2025. He alleged that the arrest was orchestrated by Ogunlewe as a means to divert attention from corruption allegations currently under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Allegations Against Ogunlewe
Oyebanjo denied claims that he had accepted a ₦50 million bribe from Ogunlewe to suppress corruption charges against the chairman. He also refuted allegations that he had broken into Ogunlewe’s office to steal classified documents, describing these accusations as part of a smear campaign to discredit him and mislead the public.
The Arrest and Its Context
He recounted how he was apprehended at his Lagos residence while returning from the mosque after breaking his Ramadan fast. According to him, his arrest was a retaliatory move following his formal petition to the ICPC and EFCC, which accused Ogunlewe of awarding contracts without due process and engaging in financial misconduct.
Citing the Freedom of Information Act 2011, Oyebanjo insisted that his actions were protected under the law, which shields whistleblowers from legal consequences when acting in the public interest.
Rebuttal of Jeep Blackmail Allegation
Oyebanjo also addressed claims that he had attempted to blackmail Ogunlewe into providing him with a Jeep. He clarified that his request for an official vehicle in 2022 was in line with standard local government practice and dismissed Ogunlewe’s recent remarks on the issue as a distraction from the real concerns of corruption and governance failures.
Disputed Chairmanship Primary Results
Further challenging Ogunlewe’s leadership, Oyebanjo claimed that he had not lost the Kosofe Local Government chairmanship primary election but had instead stepped down in deference to party decisions. He alleged that Ogunlewe’s selection was orchestrated by party leaders rather than through a transparent electoral process.
Call for Justice and Public Support
Expressing concerns for his safety, Oyebanjo called on the Inspector General of Police, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate threats against him and his family. He named Ogunlewe and other council officials as those to be held responsible should any harm come to him or his associates.
He also extended gratitude to human rights organizations, legal practitioners, and media outlets that have supported him during the controversy. Urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, Oyebanjo emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
The allegations have further deepened tensions within Kosofe Local Government, with political stakeholders closely monitoring the unfolding situation.