By Adeboye Ado

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Chairman of Ose Local Government, Kolapo Ojo, has thwarted an attempt by suspected impostors to cart away agricultural equipment from the Leventis School of Agriculture in Idoani.

The individuals, who claimed to be officials of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, were caught in the act without any form of identification to verify their claims.

Ojo, who was on an inspection tour to assess the damage caused by a recent rainstorm and provide relief to affected residents, stumbled upon the illegal operation.

Acting swiftly, the council boss, alongside his team, recovered several mechanised farming tools, including a  tractor bucket, plows, a ridger, and other essential equipment. The Hope  revealed that at least three  tractors and additional implements had already been removed before Ojo’s intervention.

To forestall further loss, the impounded tractor was handed over to the Nigerian Police Force at the Idoani Divisional Headquarters, with strict instructions that it must not be released without his approval and should be kept securely.

Meanwhile,  Ojo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all contractors involved in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection for the local government.

The decision remains in effect until further notice, Ojo said in a statement made available to The Hope.

Ojo who made the declaration during a meeting with local government stakeholders in his office noted that the announcement followed the submission of a report by the Ose LG IGR Restructuring Committee, which was led by Adelana Henry.

The three-member committee, established on March 7, 2025, was tasked with assessing and enhancing the revenue collection process for the local government.

Expressing appreciation for the committee’s efforts, Ojo also revealed plans to set up a Local Government Economic Advisory Committee. Consequently, the IGR Restructuring Committee has been officially dissolved.