Ondo Assembly Ratifies Auditor-General Nominee for Local Governments
….. Names Oyadeyi, Adeyekun as Deputy Clerks
By Oyeniwa Elizabeth
The Ondo State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Tunde Charles Ojuolape as the Auditor-General designate for Local Governments.
The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the House Committee on Selection during plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji.
The nominee had earlier appeared before the Selection committee for screening.
Presenting the committee’s report at plenary, the Deputy Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Committee, Rt Hon Ololade Gbegudu, informed the House that Dr. Ojuolape was found physically, mentally and emotionally fit to discharge the responsibilities of the office.
He added that the nominee met all constitutional and professional requirements, having successfully passed through the necessary screening processes.
According to the report, Dr. Ojuolape possesses the requisite academic qualifications, administrative competence and wealth of experience to function effectively as Auditor-General for Local Governments.
The committee expressed confidence in his ability to uphold transparency, accountability and due process in the management of local government finances across the state.
The Leader of the House, Hon Olatunji Oshati, thereafter moved a motion for the confirmation of the nominee, which was seconded by the Debuty Speaker The motion received overwhelming support from members during deliberations.
The Speaker, the House Leader and other lawmakers described Dr. Ojuolape as “a round peg in a round hole,” noting that his track record in public service and deep understanding of financial regulations would bring renewed vigour to the office.
They expressed optimism that his leadership would strengthen internal controls, enhance fiscal discipline and promote prudent management of public funds at the grassroots level.
The lawmakers further stressed the importance of the Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments in deepening transparency and ensuring that statutory allocations to councils are judiciously utilised for developmental projects that directly impact the people.
In his response, Dr. Ojuolape expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to rise through the ranks of service. He also appreciated the State Governor and the House of Assembly for finding him worthy of the appointment.
He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by working diligently to achieve the set goals of the office, particularly in transforming its operations and safeguarding its integrity.
He assured the House of his commitment to professionalism, accountability and strict adherence to established laws guiding public finance.
Meanwhile, a bill for a law to enact the Ondo State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2025, which seeks to provide a legal framework for the collection of taxes and levies by the state government and its local governments, scaled through first reading during the plenary.
The proposed legislation is expected to streamline revenue generation and eliminate multiple taxation.
At the sitting, the Speaker also announced the appointment of two staff members as Deputy Clerks in the legislative arm. Chief Olusegun Oyadeyi was named Deputy Clerk, Legislative Business and Proceedings, while Mr. Richard Adeyekun was appointed Deputy Clerk, Plenary, Legislative Business and Proceedings.
The Speaker noted that the appointments were in line with the extant laws and the administrative needs of the Assembly. He urged the newly appointed Deputy Clerks to bring their experience and dedication to bear in strengthening legislative procedures, documentation and institutional efficiency.
He emphasised that a vibrant legislative bureaucracy remains crucial to the smooth conduct of parliamentary business and the overall effectiveness of the Assembly.
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