By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Joseph Gbenu, Solomon Zozu and Customary Court built by Gbenu |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – A storm of allegations, denials, and political intrigue has engulfed Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) following a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against its immediate past chairman, Hon. Hennugbe Joseph Gbenu. The saga pits a civic group’s claims of “zero development” and massive corruption against a robust defense from a former top aide, who has catalogued numerous projects and decried a “politically motivated” smear campaign.
EFCC Petition Triggers Political Earthquake
The controversy erupted after the Integrity Youths of Badagry West, a civic group, formally petitioned Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC. The petition, dated May 2025 and acknowledged by the commission on May 7, levels serious allegations of large-scale corruption, fund diversion, and illicit property acquisition against Hon. Hennugbe Joseph Gbenu, who served as chairman from 2021 to 2025.
Group Alleges Billions Wasted, Zero Development
In the petition, the group alleges that despite receiving billions of naira in statutory allocations between 2021 and 2025, the Gbenu administration delivered only three visible projects. The Integrity Youths claim there were “no significant improvements” in critical infrastructure like roads, water, electricity, or social welfare for residents of Badagry West LCDA, labeling the period one of “poor governance.”
Accusations of Property Acquisition and Fund Diversion
The petition goes further, accusing the former chairman of using diverted council funds to acquire multiple properties, including fuel stations and a beach resort within and outside Lagos State. These assets, the group claims, were not declared in official asset records. The group also alleges that council funds were funneled to a political mentor, Hon. Hontonyon Bamgbose, and names three other alleged collaborators in the scheme.
Former Top Aide Enters Fray, Demands Fairness
In a sharp and detailed rebuttal, Solomon Zozu, the former Senior Special Adviser on Information & Tourism to the Badagry West LCDA, has publicly debunked the allegations. In an official statement, Zozu, who worked closely with Gbenu, stated he was clarifying the facts “in the interest of truth, fairness and responsible public engagement.”
“Grossly Misleading”: Zozu Counters “Zero Development” Claim
Forcefully challenging the core accusation, Zozu labeled the “zero development” assertion as “grossly misleading and inaccurate.” He argued that the group’s report selectively mentioned only a few projects, ignoring a broad portfolio of capital investments and social interventions executed by the Gbenu administration across all sectors.
Catalogue of Projects: From Schools to Roads to Health Centres
To substantiate his defense, Solomon Zozu provided a lengthy list of projects he says were completed between 2021 and 2025. These include the construction and commissioning of primary schools in Kweme and Gayingbo, a modern six-classroom block at Agorin Sea Beach, a new Customary Court, road constructions in Bakpo Seme and Owode-Apa, and a new administrative office in Oglogbo, Seme.
More Achievements: Tourism, Water, and Empowerment Cited
The former aide’s list extends to a modern Primary Health Centre in Bakpo, renovation of tourism facilities at Suntan Beach, provision of iron-free drinking water for public schools, and the purchase of a transformer for Irosu Community. He also highlighted social programs like consistent distribution of free GCE forms, youth empowerment starter packs, a discount food scheme (“Ounje Irorun Gbenu Joseph”), and widespread palliative distributions.
Presumption of Innocence Urged on Corruption Claims
Addressing the direct corruption allegations, Zozu emphasized that they remain “claims contained in a petition, not judicially or administratively established facts.” He invoked the constitutional presumption of innocence, stating that until a competent authority concludes an investigation, such assertions are speculative. He maintained that council operations under his watch followed due process and oversight mechanisms.
“Categorically Deny”: Aide Clears Hon. Hontonyon Bamgbose
In a significant twist, Zozu categorically denied the allegation that Hon. Hontonyon Bamgbose received any diverted council funds. “At no point during my service did I encounter any official record, directive or financial transaction linking council resources to Hon. Bamgbose as alleged,” Zozu stated, suggesting the inclusion of Bamgbose’s name was “politically motivated.”
Call for Balance and Due Process
Zozu concluded his defense by asserting that while Badagry West deserves accountability, it also deserves “truth, balance and fairness.” He warned that “development cannot be erased by sensational narratives” and that public officers should not be condemned without due process. He expressed confidence that history would reflect Gbenu’s service as one of “commitment and tangible results.”
Group Demands Forensic Audit, Prosecution
The Integrity Youths of Badagry West, in their original petition, have called for a full-scale investigation, a forensic audit of the council’s finances, probes into the alleged properties, and prosecution where appropriate. They also alleged attempts by Gbenu to install his vice chairman as a successor to avoid future scrutiny.
Awaiting EFCC Action and Further Responses
As of now, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has acknowledged the petition but has not publicly commented on its merits or announced any investigative steps. Hon. Hennugbe Joseph Gbenu has also not issued a personal response. The people of Badagry West LCDA and political observers await further developments in a case that highlights fierce battles over legacy, accountability, and governance at the grassroots level in Nigeria.