Lagos Council Chairman, Ogunlewe, Refutes Multi-Billion Naira Fraud Welcomes Investigations

The Chairman of the Kosofe Local Government in Lagos State, Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe, has denied allegations of financial impropriety, including misappropriation of billions of naira and contract padding.

The allegations were made in October 2024 when Ganiyu Olamiji Oyebanjo, Special Adviser on Boundary Affairs in the council, submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Oyebanjo, in his petition, had accused Ogunlewe of corruption acts, including overpriced contract prices and misappropriation of money released for development projects in the local government area. The petition was not long in gaining momentum, prompting an ICPC investigation.

Ogunlewe, in a response to the allegations, has denied any wrongdoing and stated that he was willing to assist with the investigations currently being conducted in any way possible.

The chairman of the council stated himself open to examination and averred the transparency and accountability of the government he leads.

“I am not involved in any scam and I will assist the authorities in clearing my name,” Ogunlewe stated in his reaction to the people upon the revelation.

In connection with the investigation, the ICPC has interviewed Ogunlewe, as well as six other local government bosses. The commission is focusing on potential financial irregularities, including the claimed overinflation of contract amounts and misapplication of funds.

Although Ogunlewe and some members of his team have been interrogated, other members of the local government executive have resisted summonses, reportedly attempting to obstruct the inquiry by trying to bribe potential witnesses. This has cast a doubt on the integrity of the inquiry.

The controversy surrounding the investigation deepened on March 11, 2025, when Ganiyu Oyebanjo, the Special Adviser who originally made the accusations, was arrested by Zone 2 police command officials in Lagos.

The arrest followed Oyebanjo’s petition against Ogunlewe which resulted in the investigation.

Oyebanjo, who had publicly accused Ogunlewe of wasting funds, was later released on bail by a Lagos Magistrate Court. His arrest, and the accompanying events, have caused additional controversy surrounding the investigation and the efforts to conceal vital information relevant to the accusations.