The Deputy Leader of Yoruba social-political organisation, Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has refuted the allegation of financial misconduct levied against it by the factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi.
Arabambi at a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday, had called on the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate Afenifere leaders for retaining over N600m campaign funds in private accounts.
“The trio of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni were involved in financial infractions totalling over N600m, which they have kept in private accounts and Afenifere accounts,” Arabambi had said.
However, in a phone interview Olaitan, who described the allegation as “an absolute falsehood” adding that as one of the signatories to the Afenifere account, the claim made by Arabambi was shocking and strange.
He said, “The press release by the LP spokesperson allegedly indicting the Afenifere is curious. I am one of the account’s signatories and opened it myself. No money comes into or leaves that account without my knowledge because I am in complete control of it.
“The allegation that we harboured N600m of campaign funds in private accounts is an absolute falsehood. Nothing could be further from the truth. I hold the chequebook so it’s not possible for someone to hold the cheque, and I receive alerts on my phone of all transactions.
“The money in Afenifere account is from donations or voluntary contributions. Some of us tax ourselves to give to Afenifere and there is nothing significant in the account so it’s shocking that anyone would accuse us of financial misconduct.”
The Afenifere Deputy Leader further stated that the organisation entrusted him with the account because of his competence and transparency.
“I can account for every single kobo in the Afenifere account. We are very conscious of financial accountability and that is why we don’t allow anyone who is not competent to handle the account. The allegation against us is untrue. It is pure falsehood,” Olaitan added.
Since last year, the leadership of the LP has been splintered into two factions: with the incumbent National Chairman, Julius Abure and the Deputy National Chairman of the party (South), Lamidi Apapa, both laying claim to the mantle of leadership.
The party recently alleged that Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, and other accomplices, mismanaged and diverted over N12bn and $15m in donations intended for the LP’s campaign for the 2023 elections.
