The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ondo State Chapter, has denied involvement in reports alleging that local government chairmen in Ondo State are not in full control of their statutory allocations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Akure and signed by its Director of Media, Oyewamide Ojo, GMT described as “unfounded” claims linking it to the reports. The group was reacting to a voice message purportedly circulated by Mr. Ayo Babateye, councillor representing Igbatoro Ward in Akure North Local Government.
Babateye, in the leaked audio, alleged that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had accused GMT, alongside Minister of Interior Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, of masterminding the reports and was preparing to sanction members of the group by removing them and their associates from government appointments.
The development, according to GMT, has already unsettled some members, with Mr. Babatunde Falae, a councillor from Akure North, resigning his position as the group’s secretary.
GMT maintained that its activities are solely aimed at promoting the programmes and policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing its recent free medical outreach in Akure and Okitipupa and preparations for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sports Festival in the state.
“We are disturbed by the atmosphere of fear and panic such threats have generated. Supporting and promoting the good works of President Tinubu should not be misrepresented as disloyalty to the state government,” the statement said.
The group added that it has forwarded Babateye’s voice message to the governor and security agencies for investigation.
GMT urged leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to prioritise unity and dialogue, warning that divisive narratives could weaken grassroots support for both the party and President Tinubu.
