Ondo Assembly vows effective oversight, backs OSOPADEC board on devt agenda

By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has pledged robust legislative oversight and support for the newly inaugurated board of the commission, as part of efforts to accelerate development in oil-producing communities across the state.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oluwatoyin Allen, made this known during a familiarisation visit to the OSOPADEC headquarters in Akure. He emphasized that the visit was part of a broader plan to foster transparency, accountability, and collaboration with the commission for better service delivery.

“We are here to build a relationship that ensures progress. Oversight is essential — not just in words or reports, but through visible action. Before we consider next year’s budget, we must properly evaluate this year’s performance, especially with regard to abandoned or ongoing projects,” Allen stated.

He disclosed that the committee would embark on a comprehensive oversight tour to inspect OSOPADEC’s projects and ensure value for public funds. He added that such efforts were aimed at correcting lapses and enhancing governance in the mandate areas.

In his response, the Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Poroye, appreciated the lawmakers for the visit and expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for entrusting him and his team with the responsibility of driving change at the commission.

“Our mission is to leave OSOPADEC better than we met it. We are committed to reforms, capacity building, and strategic projects that will bring lasting development to our communities. Oversight, to us, is not a threat but a guide, and we welcome constructive engagement,” Poroye said.

He also revealed plans to embark on a project inspection tour and organize a retreat for board members to enhance their operational and administrative capacity.

Other members of the committee, including Princess Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu, Honourables Olatunji Ifabiyi, Kolawole Ologede, Raymond Daodu, and Tope Agbulu, reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with the board. They expressed confidence in the leadership of Prince Poroye and the board’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.

The visit ended with a tour of OSOPADEC’s Microfinance Bank in Akure, where the lawmakers carried out a preliminary assessment of the bank’s operations.