Still on OSOPADEC and Ondo First Family

By Arakunrin Ajos

For some of my friends who have been asking, OSOPADEC is the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission. It is an agency responsible for the growth and development of Ilaje and Ese Odo, the two oil producing local governments in Ondo State.

While OSOPADEC has many functions, one actually stands out for me: the Commission receives and administers exclusively the 40% of the 13% oil derivation funds accrued to Ondo State Government for the rehabilitation and development of the oil producing areas in the state.

This is simple. Ondo State is an oil producing state which makes us a beneficiary of the 13% derivation funds from the Federal Government every month. Now, when the 13% ‘lands’ in Ondo State, 40% out of it is given to OSOPADEC to ‘rehabilitate and develop’ Ilaje and Ese Odo, the two LGs producing oil in the state.

Between January and July 2019, a total of #7.6bn was the 13% derivation fund for Ondo State. A little over #3bn was its 40%. In October same year, over #1.12bn was the #13% derivation fund for the state. Over #400m was the 40%.

With all these huge moneys coming into the coffers of OSOPADEC every month, can Arakunrin Akeredolu point to something significant done in Ilaje Local Government?

Apart from OSOPADEC being the milking agency for the first family, what does it do for the people in these uncomfortable terrains?

In the 3rd year anniversary of Arakunrin Akeredolu, which project was initiated, completed or commissioned in Ilaje Local Government?

It’s time the people in these areas enjoy the fortunes scooped out of their backyards!