By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government has clarified circumstances surrounding MOGA Group’s meeting request, saying the council approved July 1 for engagement after considering Chairman Lawal Adewale Wasiu’s official commitments
Ado-Odo/Ota LG Clarifies MOGA Meeting Controversy, Confirms July 1 Date With Chairman
The Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government has dismissed claims suggesting that the MOGA Group was denied access to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Lawal Adewale Wasiu, FCA, insisting that the council made several efforts to accommodate the group and facilitate a formal engagement, only for those efforts to be undermined by the group’s insistence on dictating the timing of the meeting.
In a statement issued by the Media Office of the Executive Chairman, the council explained that a letter from the MOGA Group, signed by its Convener, Mr. Olawoye Kayode, was received on June 15, 2026, requesting a courtesy visit with the Chairman just two days later on June 17. According to the council, the date and time were selected solely by the group without prior consultation with the Local Government authority or consideration of the Chairman’s existing official engagements.
The statement noted that despite the short notice, members of the group who arrived at the Local Government Secretariat on June 17 were not turned away. Instead, they were received by the Chairman’s Personal Assistant and other senior council officials who informed them that the Executive Chairman was attending to official duties elsewhere and that their request was still undergoing the necessary administrative process. The delegation was assured that a suitable date would be communicated after due consideration of the Chairman’s schedule.
The council, however, expressed disappointment that rather than await the outcome of that process, Mr. Kayode allegedly recorded and circulated a video from within the Secretariat, creating what it described as a false impression that the group had been deliberately denied access to the Chairman.
“Rather than await the outcome of the administrative process, Mr. Kayode proceeded to record and circulate a video within the Local Government Secretariat, creating the misleading impression that the group was deliberately denied access to the Chairman,” the statement said.
According to the council, the request was subsequently processed and an official response was issued on June 23, informing the group that the Executive Chairman would be available to receive the delegation on July 1, 2026. The statement further disclosed that even before the formal letter was delivered, the Head of Local Government Administration personally contacted Mr. Kayode on June 22 to notify him of the approved meeting date and time after careful consideration of the Chairman’s official commitments.
The council said it was therefore surprising that despite receiving both verbal and written communication confirming the July 1 meeting, the group continued to announce plans to visit the Secretariat on June 24, a date that had neither been approved nor agreed upon by the Local Government.
“This development raises concerns about the group’s apparent insistence on dictating the timing of an official engagement with the Chairman rather than respecting established administrative procedures,” the statement said, adding that “No responsible public institution can abandon due process simply because an individual or group seeks to impose its preferred date and time.”
The administration maintained that Hon. Wasiu remains committed to engaging stakeholders, community associations and residents across the Local Government Area. The statement emphasized that the Chairman has consistently operated an open-door policy and welcomes contributions capable of advancing development, peace and progress in Ado-Odo/Ota.
“The Executive Chairman has consistently maintained an open-door policy and welcomes contributions that advance the growth, peace, and development of our Local Government,” the statement added.
The council stressed that while it remains fully committed to constructive dialogue, such engagements must be conducted in an orderly manner and in accordance with established administrative procedures, particularly given the numerous official responsibilities and obligations that demand the Chairman’s attention on a daily basis. It reaffirmed its readiness to receive the MOGA Group on the officially communicated date of July 1 and urged all parties to respect due process in the interest of mutual understanding and productive engagement.
