UNWARRANTED AMBITION AND MISCHIEF BEHIND THE SO-CALLED ₦400 MILLION OSOPADEC PROTEST
Date:23rd January,2026
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has observed with deep concern the needless, ill-motivated and theatrically orchestrated protest staged at the Commission’s headquarters yesterday by a group of individuals driven by unhealthy ambition and personal interests rather than genuine community welfare.
Ordinarily, the Commission would not dignify such needless shenanigans with a response. However, in the interest of public clarity and factual accuracy, OSOPADEC is compelled to set the record straight and debunk the falsehoods being mischievously peddled to mislead the public.
It will be recalled that on 18th October, 2025, military personnel carried out an operation in Obe-Nla, Obe-Adun and Obe-Jedo communities following the discovery of illegal bunkering activities. The operation unfortunately resulted in damage to some structures and injuries to some residents when the suspects resisted lawful arrest.
Demonstrating uncommon compassion and responsive leadership, the OSOPADEC Board, led by the Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye, promptly visited the affected communities for a solidarity visit and on-the-spot assessment of the incident, as well as the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda to appeal for calm.
Following due consultations, the Commission formally sought and received the approval of the Governor on 7th January, 2026 to provide humanitarian palliatives to the affected communities. This approval was publicly announced by the Chairman, leaving no room for secrecy or misrepresentation.
Contrary to the spurious and misleading claims by the protesters, the Commission at no time approved or authorised the release of ₦400 million to its Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye. The allegation that such funds were allegedly fixed in any separate government account for personal benefit is entirely false, baseless and a figment of the imagination of the purveyors of misinformation. Government resources are not personal handouts. Accountability, transparency and due process remain the bedrock of this administration.
To ensure fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, the Chairman invited the protest leader, Pst. Okun Omosohane Michael Obadiah, alongside civil rights activist, Barr. Babatunde Omobone, to his office, where it was clearly explained that, as more than three communities were affected, a nine-man Implementation Committee had been duly constituted to assess damages and supervise the equitable distribution of approved palliatives.
The Committee is composed as follows:
Rev. (Dr.) Ola Judah – OSOPADEC Board Member (Committee Chairman)
Princess Ronke Efurubu – Board Member (Member)
Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, PhD – OSOPADEC Secretary (Member)
AP. Sola Orisamoluwa – Director, General Administration & Supplies (Member)
Comrade Kayode Ebiseni – Director, Community Welfare (Member)
Engr. Dare Oretan – Director, Public Utilities & Direct Labour, Area Office (Member)
Mr. Ishola Omoyele – Special Assistant to the Chairman on Community Affairs (Member)
Barr. Tunde Omobone – Representative, Ilaje OMURO WW Connect (Member)
Mr. Austin Iyanoye – Coordinator/Director of Administration, Area Office (Committee Secretary)
It is on record that several community leaders expressly requested that the palliatives should not be handed over to any single individual, but rather distributed directly by the Commission through the constituted committee to avoid diversion and abuse.
Shockingly, the protest leader, Pst. Okun Omosohane Michael Obadiah, called three days ago insisting that the funds be handed over to him personally, while issuing threats to mobilise protests and shut down the Commission if his demand is not met.
The Chairman made it abundantly clear that humanitarian palliatives are a privilege, not an entitlement, and will never be surrendered to personal control, intimidation or blackmail. No amount of protest or emotional manipulation will derail the Commission from doing what is right. This precipitated the protest that occurred on Thursday.
The present leadership of OSOPADEC is fully aware that entrenched interests will resist reforms. The Commission therefore anticipates further orchestrated distractions as it continues to enthrone transparency, prudence and institutional accountability. While such resistance may unsettle those who profit from disorder, it will ultimately bring relief and development to the people who truly matter.
For the avoidance of doubt, OSOPADEC remains responsible, responsive and resolute. The Chairman’s intervention was purely humanitarian, despite the fact that the original incident arose from illegal activities. His personal appeal to government made the intervention possible.
Religious platforms must not be weaponised to mislead, coerce or exploit vulnerable citizens. Faith and community influence must never be deployed as tools for personal aggrandisement at the expense of public order and institutional integrity.
The so-called protest was nothing more than a manifestation of unwarranted ambition, calculated mischief and ill-motivated conduct. OSOPADEC reiterates that the distribution of palliatives shall be carried out strictly by the duly constituted Implementation Committee, in line with approved procedures, and the Commission shall continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities lawfully and transparently, without fear or favour, in the overriding interest of the people it was established to serve.
Signed:
Godson Ewata
Director, Media & Corporate Affairs
