By Abdullah Oladejo

The Legislative Council of the Great Independence Hall has directed that all assets under the custody of executive officers be physically verified before future handovers, following concerns raised over missing sporting equipment during the presentation of a Joint Investigation and Asset Audit Committee (JIAAC) report.

The decision was reached during an emergency sitting of the House on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after the JIAAC presented its findings on assets under the offices of former executive officers of the hall.

One of the issues examined by the committee was the handling of the hall’s football kits under the Office of the Sports Commissioner for the 2024/25 session.

According to the JIAAC report, the committee found that 13 shirts, six shorts and two officiating cards belonging to the hall were not collected and kept by the current Sports Commissioner, Comrade Oyewumi Temiloluwa.

The report further stated that a letter sent to the Legislative Council by the Executive Council on August 18, 2026, described the hall’s jerseys as “worn out and missing.”

However, the committee said this account was inconsistent with its physical verification of the available football kits.

Speaking during the sitting, Oyewumi explained that he had asked his predecessor, Comrade Al-Ameen Oladipupo, about the jerseys when he assumed office.

“When I assumed office as the Sports Commissioner, I requested for the jerseys from the former Sports Commissioner, and he said the jerseys were worn out and requested that we get another one.”

He added that when he later asked about the jerseys needed for Freshers’ Cup, he was told that only eight pieces remained and that those available were already worn out.

However, the Hon. representing B2 Constituency presented a different account, citing an interview with the former Sports Commissioner.

According to the lawmaker, Al-Ameen said he had reached out to the present Sports Commissioner to collect the jerseys before moving from one room to another, during which some of the jerseys were reportedly lost.

The Speaker, Rt. Abdulmatin Gbedegesin, subsequently clarified the House’s position on the matter.

He explained that the Legislative Council had earlier asked the Executive Council to reach out to the former Sports Commissioner regarding the jerseys.

According to him, no response was received until a report on the proposed purchase was presented, after which the Executive Council proceeded with the purchase without obtaining the required approval.

Meanwhile, the committee also reviewed assets under the Office of the former Public Relations Officer (PRO), Comrade Oladapo Salvador, including clip-on microphones, a PA system and a tripod stand.

The former PRO told the committee that the clip-on microphones and part of the tripod stand had been misplaced, that replacements had already been purchased and were expected to be delivered to the current PRO, Comrade Hammed Sodiq Akinkunmi, on or before August 30, 2026.

He further maintained that the PA system, comprising a wireless handheld microphone, portable Bluetooth speaker and power adapter, had been handed over to his successor in proper working condition.

The findings across the two offices prompted the House to consider a broader mechanism for preventing disputes and accountability gaps over hall assets during future transitions.

Following a recommendation by Hon. Akeredolu Joshua, the House approved that all assets under each executive office should be physically verified before handover.

The measure was further strengthened after Hon. Oluwashemepe moved for the creation of an Inventory Committee to monitor hall assets before handovers.

The House approved the creation of the committee at exactly 8:58 p.m., with Hon. Onasawo as Chairman, Hon. Solomon Obafemi as Secretary, and Hon. Olujebola as a member and two others.

The JIAAC had also recommended that all executives prepare complete inventories of hall property in their custody, physically inspect items before handover, and document any missing, damaged or worn-out property with explanations where necessary.