…Alleges Illegal Collection of Fees in Ondo Forest
Former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ondo State, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe, has rejected the board appointment given to him by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
New Telegraph reports that the rejection of the appointment by Oloruntogbe deepened the crack between the All Progressives Congress (APC) members loyal to the former governor of the state, Late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and those of Aiyedatiwa.
It also showed the crack between the members of the party loyal to Minister of Interior Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and those of the governor over the control of the structure of the party in the state.
Oloruntogbe, who was the chairman of Akoko South West, said he rejected the appointment for personal and official reasons.
However, sources said the rejection was based on the fact that Oloruntogbe belonged to the faction loyal to Tunji-Ojo and that of Akeredolu, who made him an ALGON Chairman.
In his letter of rejection, Oloruntogbe said, “I write to formally acknowledge and express my sincere gratitude for your decision to appoint me to the board. It is an honour to be considered for this role in service to our people as announced in your press release of 10th July, 2026.
“This recognition is deeply humbling, and I commend Your Excellency’s bold Cocoa Revolution Agenda aimed at repositioning agriculture, boosting farmers’ livelihoods, and restoring Ondo State’s leadership in cocoa production.
“After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with the highest respect, to honourably decline the offer to serve on the Board at this time due to pressing personal and professional commitments that will not allow me to give the assignment the full attention and dedication it deserves.
“In the spirit of supporting the success of the Cocoa Revolution, I also wish to respectfully bring to Your Excellency’s attention a matter of urgent concern raised by cocoa farmers in Oka Akoko who farm within the Ose Game Reserve.
“There are allegations of the collection of huge sums amounting to N150,000 per farmer into a private account, without any official receipt being issued.
“I respectfully urge the state government to look into this matter and ensure that all levies and payments within the cocoa value chain are properly documented, transparent, and channelled through official government accounts.
“This will protect our farmers and strengthen trust in the reforms your administration is driving. Please be assured of my unwavering support for your administration and for every initiative designed to advance the welfare of our cocoa farmers and the economy of Ondo State.”
