The Assembly of Patriots International (Ogun State chapter) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and unlawful enrichment involving a former Managing Director of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), Mr. Abayomi Hunye.
Petition Submitted to ICPC
Speaking in Abeokuta, the state capital, the group’s coordinator, Kazeem Soliu, disclosed that a petition had already been submitted to the ICPC in Abuja by another organisation, the Democratic Integrity Forum, urging a full-scale investigation. The group alleged that during Hunye’s tenure as Managing Director and Chief Executive of OGWAMA, he oversaw procurement processes in which contracts were allegedly awarded to companies linked directly or indirectly to his wife, children, and close associates.
Allegations of Procurement Violations
Soliu claimed the allegations amounted to abuse of office, conflict of interest, nepotism, and breaches of procurement law, adding that due process was allegedly circumvented through contract splitting and non-competitive bidding practices. He further alleged that public funds exceeding ₦2 billion may have been diverted through a network of accounts connected to individuals and corporate entities linked to the former official.
Call for Forensic Review
The group also called for a forensic review of Hunye’s financial records and those of his family members and associated companies. According to him, “some companies that benefited from OGWAMA contracts may have concealed beneficial ownership links to the former managing director, raising concerns about possible money laundering and illicit enrichment.” The group further said earlier complaints had been raised about Hunye’s conduct during his time in office, which led to his removal by the Ogun State Government, noting that no comprehensive criminal investigation had followed thereafter. It added that it would embark on its own independent inquiry into the matter, including a review of financial records and corporate affiliations linked to the former official.
Hunye Dismisses Allegations
Responding to the allegations, Mr Abayomi Hunye dismissed them as politically motivated, aimed at undermining his ambition to contest for the office of Governor of Ogun State. He said the claims had previously been raised and investigated internally, adding that he had appeared before the Ogun State House of Assembly twice over related petitions. According to him, no adverse findings were established against him. Hunye stated that his tenure at OGWAMA was marked by significant revenue growth, claiming that internally generated revenue rose from about ₦600 million to ₦2.8 billion under his leadership through reforms and improved efficiency. He added that he welcomed any lawful investigation, insisting he remained confident he would be vindicated.
ICPC Yet to Respond
The ICPC has not yet publicly responded to the latest petition.
