Ladoja must account for N1.9bn - Oyo govt

By Adeolu Adeyemo - 25.07.2008

As reconciliation of all the aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Oyo State continues by the leadership of the party in the South-West, the state government on Thursday said the exercise would not prevent it from recovering the state’s money running to over N1.93 billion from the erstwhile governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.

Secretary to the State Government, Chief Layiwola Olakojo, made this known during a press conference at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

He said at the eve of departure of the Ladoja administration, the NI.93 billion was misappropriated by the government and vowed that though the reconciliation exercise was going on, it would not disturb them from probing the issue.

Olakojo said the present administration in the state was known for accountability and probity, adding that the last administration would not be left alone until it accounted for the amount which suddenly disappeared and yet to be traced.

Chief Olakojo added that the said money was part of the proceeds from the sale of the shares of the state.

“Out of the money, the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing N800 million worth of shares proceeds which is yet to be accounted for,” adding that there was another money put at N17 million and N13.8 million still part of the proceeds that were used to buy a bulle-proof jeep and the sale of a lease quarters at Agodi,