OSOGBO, Osun State — The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has said that increased public scrutiny of government agencies will help curb corruption and strengthen accountability in public service delivery across Nigeria.
The monarch made the remarks while reacting to the recent appearance of the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission, Mark Okoye, before a Senate committee, where lawmakers reportedly examined aspects of the agency’s operations as part of their oversight responsibilities.
According to Oba Akanbi, such legislative oversight activities are a positive indicator of improved transparency in governance, noting that subjecting public officials and institutions to questioning is essential for ensuring that public funds are properly managed and development objectives are achieved. He added that accountability mechanisms like parliamentary scrutiny can discourage financial mismanagement and promote efficiency in government agencies.
The Oluwo stated that the growing emphasis on institutional checks and balances reflects a broader commitment to strengthening democratic governance under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He argued that when public officials are required to regularly defend their actions before elected representatives, it reduces the likelihood of abuse of office and encourages responsible leadership.
He further noted that corruption remains one of the major obstacles to national development, stressing that sustained oversight by the legislature, civil society, and traditional institutions can contribute significantly to improving governance outcomes. According to him, transparency in public administration is not only a political necessity but also a moral responsibility owed to citizens.
Oba Akanbi also emphasized the importance of public trust in governance institutions, stating that citizens are more likely to support government initiatives when they see evidence of accountability and transparency. He said that visible enforcement of rules and scrutiny of public officials helps to rebuild confidence in democratic institutions.
The monarch urged Nigerians to remain supportive of anti-corruption efforts while encouraging lawmakers to continue exercising their oversight powers without fear or favour. He maintained that strong institutions, rather than individual personalities, are key to sustainable development and national stability.
Political observers have noted that Senate committee hearings involving heads of government agencies have become more frequent, reflecting increased legislative engagement in monitoring public sector performance. However, they also stress that the effectiveness of such oversight ultimately depends on consistent follow-through and enforcement of recommendations.
The Oluwo concluded that Nigeria’s long-term progress will depend on the collective commitment of all stakeholders—including government, traditional leaders, and citizens—to uphold accountability and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of the population.
