A group of concerned stakeholders from Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen in strong defence of Mr. Olusegun Olufehinti’s recent appointment to the board of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), describing it as a well-deserved and merit-based decision.
The group issued a statement in reaction to growing opposition from some quarters, which they described as “unjustified and politically motivated.”
According to the stakeholders, Mr. Olufehinti, a native of Epinmi-Akoko, is highly qualified for the role, with an impressive academic and professional record.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACIT), and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). He also holds a BSc in Banking and Finance.
They noted that he served the Federal Civil Service diligently for over a decade, holding various high-level positions including Director of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, and later in the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
He was also part of several Presidential Committees focused on critical policy issues.
“His contributions to policy implementation and administrative reform, particularly in payroll and personnel management, are well documented. His retirement was marked by tributes from colleagues and community members alike,” the group stated.
Beyond his career as a technocrat, the stakeholders also highlighted Mr. Olufehinti’s grassroots involvement and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They described him as a dedicated party man who has made substantial contributions to the success of the APC in Ondo State during past elections.
They further commended his efforts in empowering the people of Ondo State while in service, especially through employment facilitation for qualified indigenes in federal agencies.
His impact, they said, has touched many families and helped reduce unemployment in the state.
The group also dismissed claims that his appointment lacked support, insisting that he enjoys widespread acceptance among party leaders, community stakeholders, and civil society groups across Ondo State.
“The protests against his appointment are unfounded and lack any substantial basis. Mr. Olufehinti has the experience, integrity, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the SWDC’s objectives. He has our full support,” the statement concluded.
The South West Development Commission (SWDC) is a federal initiative aimed at addressing developmental challenges across the six states of the region, and stakeholders say only individuals with proven track records, like Mr. Olufehinti, should be entrusted with such responsibilities.
