Corruption Probe: LNRB boss accuses union leader of alleged violence
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), Ilorin, Engr. Olushola George Olumoroti, has accused a labour leader in the agency, Mr. Mudi Olayinka Raji, of masterminding violent disturbances at the premises of the Authority over an ongoing disciplinary case bordering on alleged financial misconduct.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Olumoroti alleged that the unrest was deliberately staged to frustrate investigations into claims of revenue diversion, unretired IOUs and other acts of gross misconduct levelled against the union leader.
According to him, the crisis stemmed from disciplinary actions initiated before he assumed office in April 2025, stressing that the management was only implementing recommendations reached by various investigative committees.
“I assumed office with a determination to reposition the Basin Authority in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the course of reviewing records and files handed over to me, I discovered unresolved disciplinary matters involving some staff members,” he said.
The LNRBDA boss alleged that Mr. Raji, a former Area Manager in Ilorin and current Kwara State Chairman of the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Employees (NUAEE), was indicted for allegedly collecting and failing to remit government revenues.
He further claimed that investigations revealed that the staff member allegedly obtained IOUs in the name of the office without proper retirement and also authorised similar transactions for his wife, who is not an employee of the Authority.
Olumoroti stated that three separate disciplinary panels reportedly found Raji and four others culpable, recommending sanctions including refund of unaccounted funds and dismissal for gross misconduct and corruption-related offences.
“The recommendations were reviewed at different levels, including by the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, and the findings remained the same,” he added.
The MD, however, disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources later showed leniency after his intervention by reducing the recommended dismissal to a warning letter and an undertaking of good behaviour, on the condition that all outstanding funds were refunded.
While other affected staff members reportedly complied with the directive, Olumoroti alleged that Raji rejected the decision and petitioned the Minister, claiming that evidence used against him was forged.
He said a fresh committee was consequently inaugurated last Wednesday to investigate the allegation of forgery.
According to him, the latest disturbance at the Authority’s premises was an attempt to stop the new panel from carrying out its assignment.
“This action of barricading the gate, disrupting official activities and assaulting workers is an attempt to force government to abandon due process. It is corruption fighting back,” Olumoroti declared.
The MD also accused the labour leader of mobilising members of NUAEE and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against the management, despite what he described as their minority status within the workforce.
He alleged that three staff members were attacked with dangerous weapons during the incident, while they are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
“Three workers are hospitalised, while another sustained severe head injuries. We have documented everything and necessary legal actions will follow,” he said.
Olumoroti maintained that while workers have the constitutional right to belong to unions, acts of violence, intimidation and obstruction of official duties would not be tolerated under his administration.
He reiterated his commitment to reforms, accountability and efficiency in the Authority, insisting that resistance from some quarters would not derail efforts to sanitise the system.
