The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has dismissed reports alleging that its Executive Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over contracts and projects awarded since 2018.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission described the reports as “misleading and mischievous,” clarifying that the EFCC’s invitation had nothing to do with the person of Prince Poroye but rather with his new office.
According to the statement, “Barely a week after assuming duties, one of the administrative burdens that came before him was a long-standing investigation into petitions covering the period from 2018 till date; years before he was sworn in.”
The Commission further explained that the probe predates Poroye’s appointment and had already been addressed before he took office. “It is therefore mischievous and misleading to attempt to link the current Chairman to matters that predate his tenure,” the statement added.
Since assuming office less than three months ago, Prince Poroye has reportedly focused on restructuring the Commission to meet its core mandate. OSOPADEC emphasized that it is an interventionist agency designed to respond swiftly to developmental needs in oil-producing communities, not a conventional ministry where bureaucracy hinders progress.
Highlighting his achievements so far, the Commission noted that Poroye has:
Concentrated efforts on abandoned projects worth billions of naira, in line with the Governor’s directive to completed.
Embarked on familiarization tours and consultations with stakeholders.
Resolved litigations through alternative means, saving the Commission millions of naira.
Initiated collaborations with other interventionist agencies for additional funding and support.
Commenced bursary and scholarship payments, as well as grants for the aged and vulnerable.
Improved staff welfare and working conditions while launching training and capacity-building programmes.
OSOPADEC assured that no amount of blackmail, misinformation, or manipulation would distract Prince Poroye from delivering on his mandate. “Backed by the strong leadership support of Mr. Governor, he remains firmly focused on serving the good people of Ondo State,” the statement concluded.
