By Esther Onyegbula

A non-governmental organisation, Gbenu Youth Movement, has described the administration of the immediate past Chairman of Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Joseph Gbenu, as one of the best the council has ever had, dismissing allegations of corruption and mismanagement levelled against him as false and politically motivated.

The group’s Convener, Comrade David Aladeotan, stated this in a statement issued in Badagry while reacting to a petition reportedly written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by one Ibraheem Semako, who he described as the acclaimed president of a group identified as Integrity Youths of Badagry-West.

Aladeotan said the petition, dated May 1, 2025, accused the former chairman of large-scale corruption, mismanagement of public funds, execution of unverifiable projects, illegal acquisition of properties and alleged sponsorship of political projects, including claims relating to litigations involving his predecessor, Hon. Joseph Bamgbose.

According to him, the allegations were a deliberate attempt to tarnish Gbenu’s reputation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The administration of Hon. Joseph Gbenu was one of the best the LCDA ever had. We consider it necessary to set the records straight and bring to public knowledge the antecedents of the former council chairman,” Aladeotan said.

He noted that the political atmosphere in Badagry-West LCDA had become tense ahead of future elections but warned that political engagement should not be reduced to what he described as character assassination.

Aladeotan cited several projects allegedly executed under Gbenu’s administration, including the reconstruction of the Owode-Apa Road, which he said was later taken over by the Federal Government, rehabilitation of schools across all wards, healthcare interventions, rural electrification, construction of access and link roads, installation of solar panels in communities, and empowerment programmes for artisans.

He also listed the rehabilitation and construction of primary health centres, provision of modern medical facilities, distribution of food items and cash to vulnerable residents, and the provision of tools and start-up kits to graduates of the LCDA’s skill acquisition centres.

“These projects remain verifiable till date. It is a disservice to humanity to read a petition of this magnitude against Hon. Gbenu, all in the name of political permutations,” he said.

On allegations concerning ownership of fuel stations, resorts and other assets, the youth leader described them as baseless, insisting that Gbenu had legitimate private business interests predating his tenure as chairman.

“At no time were public resources diverted for personal enrichment. Like many local governments across the country, Badagry-West LCDA operated under financial constraints and systemic challenges, none of which equates to corruption or mismanagement,” he added.

Aladeotan further dismissed claims that council funds were used for political succession or anti-party activities, arguing that Gbenu’s administration fostered unity within the party in the area, which he said reflected in the electoral outcome of the last general election.

He said the former chairman remained open to any lawful scrutiny, adding that all projects and finances under his administration followed due process and were subject to internal and external audits.

While cautioning against what he termed “media trial based on unverified claims,” Aladeotan urged journalists and the public to uphold fairness and verification in reporting.

“Hon. Gbenu believes in the rule of law and welcomes any objective and evidence-based investigation by appropriate authorities. He remains committed to truth, transparency and service to the people of Badagry-West,” the statement added.