STOP DRAGGING OSOPADEC INTO THE ONDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY CRISIS
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has observed with grave concern the sustained attempts by certain individuals and groups to drag the name of the Commission into the ongoing crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly through misleading publications, commentaries, videos, and other media campaigns.
The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has absolutely no role in the internal affairs of the Ondo State House of Assembly. Any communication between OSOPADEC and the Legislature is strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions, established administrative procedures, and statutory obligations. Decisions taken by the House of Assembly remain the exclusive responsibility of that institution.
OSOPADEC therefore issues a strong warning to all individuals, groups, commentators, bloggers, and media organisations to immediately desist from linking the Commission or its leadership to the ongoing crisis in the House of Assembly. Any further attempt to falsely associate OSOPADEC with matters that have no connection with its statutory mandate will be viewed as a deliberate and malicious effort to mislead the public, damage the reputation of the Commission, and undermine public confidence in its leadership.
Since the inauguration of the present administration, under the leadership of Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, the Commission has been subjected to repeated unwarranted attacks, misinformation, and calculated attempts to distract it from its developmental mandate. Despite these provocations, the leadership has remained focused, restrained, and committed to delivering sustainable development projects and programmes across the oil-producing areas of Ondo State.
Having worked tirelessly to restore the credibility, integrity, and public image of OSOPADEC, the Commission will no longer fold its arms while individuals or groups embark on campaigns of falsehood, blackmail, character assassination, or deliberate misinformation aimed at bringing the institution into disrepute.
The Commission further warns that no person should assume that, invoking the name of OSOPADEC in publications, videos, or social media campaigns will confer legitimacy on any political agenda, influence the Commission’s actions, or compel it to depart from due process and the rule of law.
Media organisations, online publishers, bloggers, and content creators are reminded of their professional and legal responsibilities to verify facts before publication. Allegations against OSOPADEC or any of its officials must be credible, verifiable, and supported by evidence. The dissemination of false, malicious, defamatory, or fabricated information carries legal consequences.
The Commission wishes to put all concerned on notice that it will henceforth invoke every lawful remedy available to protect its institutional integrity, defend the reputation of its leadership, and hold accountable any individual or organisation found to be responsible for defamatory or malicious publications against OSOPADEC.
The Commission therefore advises all parties involved in the current House of Assembly dispute to pursue their grievances through the appropriate constitutional and legal channels without dragging OSOPADEC into matters that do not concern it.
OSOPADEC remains committed to transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and the continued delivery of impactful development projects to the people of the oil-producing areas of Ondo State. The Commission will not be distracted by politically motivated propaganda or campaigns designed to derail its mission.
E-signed:
Godson Ewata
Director, Media & Corporate Affairs
OSOPADEC
