A financial scandal has rocked Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos after the whooping sum of N7,157,742 was fraudulently withdrawn from the council’s account in one day
The revelation has sent shockwaves through the council, particularly as the council chairman, Bola Shobowale, battles severe health challenges, leaving her unable to oversee operations.
In a jaw-dropping turn of events, the withdrawals were reportedly made without Shobowale’s authorisation or signature. Documents obtained by PM News reveal that the funds were siphoned off on 7 November, 2024, from the council’s account with Access Bank.
Receipts seen detail the brazen transactions: N1,141,140 was withdrawn first, followed by N52,500, and a staggering N5,964,102.96—all on the same day.
The withdrawals, allegedly facilitated through forged signatures, have raised serious questions about accountability and the integrity of financial operations within the council.
The scandal unfolds against the backdrop of Shobowale’s prolonged illness, which has left a leadership vacuum in the LCDA.
Critics argue that the absence of a clear chain of command has created an environment ripe for exploitation.
Local sources suggest that the lack of a clear succession or delegation protocol during Shobowale’s illness may have contributed to the fraudulent activities.
Sources close to the council alleged that the chairman’s incapacitation has emboldened unscrupulous actors to exploit her absence, further destabilising the already embattled administration.
“The chairman’s signature appears to have been forged for these transactions,” a source familiar with the council’s affairs disclosed. “This situation highlights a systemic failure to establish protocols that ensure seamless operations in her absence.”
The unfolding drama has cast a shadow over Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, with calls mounting for transparency, accountability, and a swift resolution to restore public trust in the council’s operations.
