Alleged diversion of palliative rice: Osun IPAC suspends ZLP chairman

Members of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Osun State chapter, on Saturday, suspended its Deputy Chairman, Femi Adesuyi for a period of six months over the alleged diversion of 15 bags of rice out of 50 bags allocated to the council by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.

Adesuyi, who is the chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the state, is also a member of the Osun State Stakeholders Committee on Palliatives, representing IPAC.

However, IPAC in a statement signed by its chairman and secretary, in Osun State, Dr Tosin Odeyemi and Comrade Wale Adebayo, respectively, alleged that “Out of 50 bags of rice sent to IPAC through Adesuyi, he delivered 35 bags and diverted the remaining 15 bags for his personal use.

According to the statement, “we set up a committee led by Victor Akande of Accord Party to investigate Adesuyi.”

The committee meeting with Dr. B. T. Salami, who is the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties and Evangelist Akinwumi Odejobi, who is the Special Adviser in that ministry revealed that 50 bags of rice were handed over to Adesuyi for IPAC.

“His action not only undermine the integrity and purpose of IPAC, but also raises concerns regarding ethical conduct. Hence, it was unanimously agreed among the members present during their last meeting that Engineer Femi Adesuyi should face a suspension from IPAC for a period of six months.

“This decision aims to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency within our noble council, ensuring that no member is above the laws and regulations set forth by IPAC.

“In light of this resolution, we will be writing to IPAC national headquarters, providing them with a comprehensive explanation regarding the suspension of Femi Adesuyi. Additionally, we will copy his political party at the national level, INEC, the Nigerian Police Force, DSS, and OSSIEC, in order to ensure that all relevant parties are aware of this action taken by IPAC.

While reacting to his purported suspension, Adesuyi denied the allegation, describing it as unfounded and baseless, stressing that he only delivered 15 bags of rice to Imole Collaborators and that the template used for the rice distribution had been submitted to Osun State Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration.

In a statement forwarded to Nigerian Tribune, Adesuyi said: “My attention has been drawn to a media trial and purported suspension by IPAC .

“I will like to state that the allegation is false and unfounded. One would have expected an organisation like IPAC to carry out diligent investigation and refer such to disciplinary committee that will come up with whatever they deem fit having heard from both sides.

“Let me state that the 50 bags of rice is meant for Imole Collaborators and IPAC and 15 bags were given to Imole Collaborators, while 35 were given to IPAC. There is nothing like diversion as claimed.

“However, nobody has ever written or summoned me for any discussion on it. And no one can suspend me from IPAC. The process for suspension is clearly stated in IPAC code of conduct. What was displayed today is a demonstration of mediocrity,” the statement concluded.

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