Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has ordered the redeployment of Mrs Abike Bayo-Ilawole, the Secretary of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), to the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) as a permanent secretary.
Mrs Bayo-Ilawole was recently accused of diverting ₦463 million from the commission’s project accounts to personal accounts, including those of her father and two members of staff.
The allegation has triggered widespread public outcry, prompting demands for accountability and transparency within the state’s administration.
In a circular dated Monday, February 16, 2026, the State government instructed Mrs Bayo-Ilawole to formally hand over her responsibilities to F.A. Omomowo, the former permanent secretary of SUBEB, marking a significant shift in the leadership of OSOPADEC.
The circular letter was signed by Mrs T. O. Ogundare, a Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Head of Service.
Thefrontrank reports that a leaked query had accused Mrs Bayo-Ilawole of misappropriating funds.
Mrs Bayo-Ilawole has denied the allegation, maintaining that the fund was not missing but used for various projects approved by the governor.
Some officials of OSOPADEC are being investigated by the Code of Conduct Bureau over alleged financial misconduct.
