By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The release of Hon. Ganiu Oyebanjo, the suspended Special Adviser on Boundary Matters to Kosofe Local Government, after nearly two weeks in custody, has ignited a heated debate among political aides and stakeholders in the local government.
Oyebanjo was previously charged with alleged possession of classified documents and document theft. His detention and subsequent release have led to conflicting narratives, with some sources claiming he became a whistleblower after his request for a jeep was denied by the local government chairman. Others argue that the focus should be on deeper issues of governance and financial accountability.
Former aide to the immediate past Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Diekola, dismissed claims that Oyebanjo’s actions were driven by personal grievances. “The real issue at hand is the alleged misappropriation of taxpayers’ money, not the narrative about a Jeep and blackmail. These distractions only serve to shift focus from the real concerns that affect the people,” Diekola stated. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in public service.
Additionally, reports suggest that Oyebanjo allegedly forged colleagues’ signatures to submit a petition to an anti-graft agency without their consent. Some of the affected individuals, when invited to adopt the petition, reportedly declined.
A separate source, speaking anonymously, stated that the Kosofe Local Government Chairman has not been officially invited to respond to the matter. However, the source assured that transparency and accountability remain the chairman’s priorities, and an official statement will be made at the appropriate time.