A former Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government and former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ondo State chapter, Hon. 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 thanked Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the confidence reposed in him through the appointment, describing the gesture as a great honour. His appointment was among those announced by the state government as part of the newly inaugurated Cocoa Revolution and Management Board.
While expressing support for the Cocoa Revolution Agenda aimed at boosting cocoa production, improving farmers’ livelihoods and restoring Ondo State’s leadership in cocoa production, Oloruntogbe said he would not be able to serve due to pressing personal and professional commitments.
“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 that will not allow me to give the assignment the full attention and dedication it deserves.” The letter Stated.
Beyond declining the appointment, the former council chairman used the opportunity to draw the governor’s attention to allegations of illegal collections from cocoa farmers operating within the Ose Game Reserve in Oka Akoko.
According to him, farmers have raised concerns that as much as #150,000 is allegedly being collected from each farmer into a private account without any official receipt. He urged the state government to investigate the allegations and ensure that all levies and payments within the cocoa value chain are transparent, properly documented and paid into official government accounts.
Oloruntogbe noted that addressing the issue would protect cocoa farmers and strengthen public confidence in the ongoing reforms under the state’s Cocoa Revolution Agenda.
