By Adeboye Ado

Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Esan Owolabi, has debunked claims that pensioners were subjected to ill-treatment during a recent verification exercise conducted in the Council area.

Owolabi, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olagoke Adeyanju, in an exclusive interview with Weekend Hope, described the allegations as unfounded and misleading.

Some pensioners who participated in the exercise at Okeagbe had reportedly raised concerns over what they described as poor treatment, lack of respect, and insensitivity on the part of officials coordinating the process.

However, in his response, the Council boss maintained that the welfare and dignity of the retirees remained a top priority during the entire exercise, stressing that due attention was given to them.

“It is not true. The Chairman was with them. He would not in any way condone or allow harsh treatment of our senior citizens,” he stated.

“The retirees were treated with respect, and no Council official behaved in the manner alleged. The claims are not only false but misrepresent the true picture of what transpired,” he added.