Ogun waste mgt agency MD denies extortion allegations, reaffirms commitment to single registratio

The Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun State Waste Management Agency (OGWAMA), Abayomi Hunye, has dismissed claims of extortion and favouritism by a group of waste vendors who recently staged a protest at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, describing the allegations as “unfounded and baseless.”

In a statement to journalists, Hunye explained that the protesting individuals had been suspended by their own body, the Association of Waste Management Vendors and Recyclers of Ogun State, on November 20, 2023 — long before his assumption of office as OGWAMA’s MD.

“Prior to my appointment, several petitions had been filed against this group to OGWAMA and other relevant security and oversight agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Ogun State House of Assembly, and the Nigerian Police Force, by the leadership of their association,” Hunye said.

He added that the suspension followed allegations of fraud, misrepresentation, multiple registrations by vendors, and forgery, all of which were documented. Hunye emphasised that his administration has consistently refused to compromise standards or shield wrongdoing, which he believes motivated the protest.

The protesters accused the OGWAMA boss of extortion, high-handedness, and favouritism. Responding, Hunye stated, “Under my watch, OGWAMA has introduced impartial, transparent, and accountable operational policies, including the discontinuation of multiple and illegal registrations by individuals – a practice they previously benefited from.”

Hunye urged the association to resolve its internal disputes internally while reaffirming that OGWAMA would continue to uphold the law and would not tolerate any illegal activities under any guise. He reassured the public that the Agency remains committed to transparency, due process, professionalism, environmental sustainability, and the effective delivery of its mandate.

Speaking for the association, its President, Adesanya Kunle, confirmed that the protesters were former members accused of professional misconduct, multiple registrations, and other irregularities, leading to their suspension in 2023. He added that the group had attempted to form a new association and open a separate bank account, a move that was not recognised by the state government.

Other members of the association also refuted the allegations against Hunye, stressing that OGWAMA imposes no arbitrary charges and that all payments are remitted directly to government coffers.

OGWAMA reiterated that only the Adesanya-led association is recognised by the Ogun State Government and reaffirmed its commitment to a single registration policy for waste vendors in line with state regulations.