Ex-ALGON chairman rejects Ondo cocoa board appointment, alleges illegal levies
By Boye Oyeyemi
A former Chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government and former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ondo State, Augustine Oloruntogbe, has declined his appointment as a member of the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board.
In a letter dated July 10, 2026, Oloruntogbe expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for considering him for the appointment, describing the opportunity to serve as both a privilege and an honour.
However, he said he was unable to accept the appointment due to pressing personal and professional commitments, which, according to him, would prevent him from dedicating the time and attention required to effectively discharge the responsibilities of the office.
Despite turning down the appointment, Oloruntogbe reaffirmed his commitment to the state’s Cocoa Revolution Agenda, noting that the initiative is designed to boost cocoa production, improve farmers’ welfare and restore Ondo State’s position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing state.
He stated, “After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with the highest respect, to honourably decline the offer to serve on the board at this time due to pressing personal and professional commitments.”
Meanwhile, the former ALGON chairman called on the state government to investigate allegations of unauthorised levies allegedly imposed on cocoa farmers operating in the Ose Game Reserve in Oka Akoko.
He alleged that several farmers had complained of being compelled to pay as much as N150,000 each into a private bank account without receiving official government receipts, describing the claims as serious and deserving of immediate investigation.
Furthermore, Oloruntogbe urged the government to strengthen transparency and accountability in the administration of the cocoa sector by ensuring that all levies and payments are properly documented and remitted into designated government accounts. According to him, such measures would not only protect farmers from exploitation but also reinforce public confidence in the state’s Cocoa Revolution Agenda.
