Senator Gbenga Daniel has thrown a challenge to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, demanding accountability for the state’s ballooning federal allocations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Sunday at the commissioning of the Renewed Hope International Market in Igode, Sagamu, the former governor hailed President Tinubu for boosting state revenues but warned that governors must not misuse the funds.
“The fallout of fuel subsidy removal is that more funds have been returned to states and Local Governments. Their allocations have increased more than fourfold, and governors must now give a good account of this generosity from the President,” Daniel told the audience.
His comments come against the backdrop of a historic 43% rise in revenue disbursements to federal, state, and local governments in 2024, according to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). The total allocation jumped to N15.26 trillion, with states alone recording a 62% increase—from N3.58 trillion in 2023 to N5.81 trillion in 2024.
Daniel’s pointed remarks rekindle concerns about Ogun’s management of federal funds. Governor Abiodun’s administration has in the past faced allegations of diverting allocations meant for local governments. In 2023, Ijebu East Council Chairman, Wale Adedayo, accused the state government of withholding funds—a claim denied by the governor, who insisted his administration was “augmenting” local allocations.
Although Ogun State has not released exact figures of its monthly take-home since Tinubu’s economic reforms, FAAC reports show a nationwide surge. For example, in June 2025, the total statutory and VAT allocation to states and local governments climbed to N991.81 billion—more than double the N458.81 billion disbursed in May 2023.
Analysts believe Daniel’s demand is both a political and strategic move. By openly aligning himself with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and unveiling philanthropic projects—including free eye surgeries and the newly launched “BATOGD Movement”—the senator is subtly positioning himself as a more transparent and people-focused leader.
The ball, however, remains firmly in Governor Abiodun’s court to justify how Ogun’s increased allocations are easing the economic burden on its citizens.