The Secretary of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, has denied media allegations claiming that the sum of ₦400 million was misappropriated in connection with the Commission.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Bayo-Ilawole described the reports and insinuations as baseless, misleading and far from the truth, stressing that she would not engage in media propaganda or conjecture over the matter.

The OSOPADEC Secretary, who noted that she is the most senior civil servant involved in the Commission’s activities, said she remains committed to the procedures and regulatory framework laid down by the Ondo State Government in the discharge of her duties.

“I will continue to strictly adhere to the procedures and regulatory framework laid down by the Government of Ondo State. I will not, under any circumstance, compromise the law guiding the operations of the Commission,” she stated.

Bayo-Ilawole also ruled out being drawn into public exchanges over what she described as unfounded allegations, adding that due process, rather than “trial by media,” remains the appropriate channel for addressing any genuine grievances.

She reaffirmed her loyalty to the Ondo State Government and her determination to protect her professional integrity, saying she would not compromise her career “for any pot of porridge.”

According to her, she remains resolute in ensuring that OSOPADEC faithfully achieves the purpose for which it was established and would not collude with anyone to defraud the people of the oil-producing areas of the state.

“That is my position, and I stand by it,” the statement concluded.