The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has debunked claims that its Executive Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over contract awards and projects dating back to 2018.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Commission dismissed the reports as “false and deliberately misleading,” stressing that the EFCC’s inquiry is connected to matters predating Poroye’s appointment, not his personal conduct.

The Commission clarified that shortly after Poroye assumed office, he inherited an ongoing investigation tied to petitions filed over several years, long before his swearing-in. It emphasized that attempts to link him to the case are unfounded and politically motivated.

Since taking over the leadership of OSOPADEC less than three months ago, Poroye has reportedly prioritized revamping the agency to fulfill its core mission. The Commission noted that, unlike traditional ministries, OSOPADEC operates as an interventionist body designed to deliver rapid development in oil-producing areas, rather than being bogged down by bureaucracy.

The agency further highlighted Poroye’s initiatives, including:

– Reviving and completing abandoned multi-billion-naira projects as directed by the state governor.

– Engaging in stakeholder consultations and familiarization visits.

– Resolving legal disputes through alternative methods, saving the agency significant resources.

– Partnering with other interventionist organizations for increased funding and support.

– Launching bursary and scholarship disbursements, as well as grants for the elderly and vulnerable.

– Enhancing staff welfare and creating training and capacity-building opportunities.

Reaffirming its confidence in Poroye’s leadership, OSOPADEC vowed that no campaign of misinformation or blackmail would derail its mandate. “With the unwavering support of the Governor, the Chairman remains fully committed to serving the people of Ondo State,” the statement concluded.