Identity Fraud Scandal Blows Up Hunye’s Job History
Fresh questions have emerged over the real identity, employment history and personal background of former Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Abayomi Semako Hunye, following allegations linking him to a former employee of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State who reportedly faced disciplinary proceedings for fraud, misappropriation of funds and management of a staff cooperative society.
Information obtained by nigerianecho.com.ng from sources familiar with an ongoing investigation alleged that Hunye was previously known as Abayomi Semako Korote and worked in the Lagos State local government service from around 1999 until the administration of former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.
The claims, which are now the subject of efforts to obtain relevant personnel and disciplinary documents from the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission.
Sources say the individual identified as Abayomi Semako Korote now known as Abayomi Semako Hunye was attached to Alimosho Local Government Council and was allegedly involved in the establishment or management of a staff cooperative society.
It was alleged that the Abayomi embezzled the funds of the Cooperative Society and the Society subsequently encountered serious financial difficulties and was unable to meet its obligations to participating members, leading to complaints and a disciplinary investigation against Hunye.
Sources further claimed that the matter was referred to a panel established by the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission and that the disciplinary process eventually resulted in the termination of Abayomi Korote’s appointment.
Another aspect of the investigation concerns reports that Abayomi Korote was transferred from Alimosho to Badagry before his eventual termination from the local government service.
Hunye’s original personnel file, which could contain information supplied at the time of his employment, including his full name, date and place of birth, hometown, local government area and state of origin are being sought by our reporter. Investigators believe that Hunye may have claimed to be from Badagry in Lagos State in his original file with the Lagos State Government.
The records could therefore, help clarify questions surrounding his present identification with Tube in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Sources claimed that following his departure from Lagos State,he relocated to Ogun State and subsequently became known as Abayomi Semako Hunye.
The investigation is consequently seeking evidence of any formal change of name, including affidavits, gazette publications or other official documents capable of establishing when and under what circumstances the alleged change occurred.
Investigators are also comparing available records to determine conclusively whether Abayomi Semako Korote and Abayomi Semako Hunye are the same person.
Further information under examination concerns reports that Abayomi Semako Korote (Hunye) expressed political ambitions in Lagos State around 2007, when posters allegedly appeared indicating an intention to contest for Governor of Lagos State during the period surrounding Fashola’s emergence as governor.
Hunye later became politically prominent in Ogun State, where he served as Commissioner for Agriculture and subsequently as Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission.
He has also pursued governorship ambitions in Ogun State and remains involved in legal proceedings connected with his political aspirations.
Sources said at least three persons described as Hunye’s former colleagues, as well as a former superior in the Lagos local government service, have reportedly provided information concerning the identity and employment history of the individual under investigation.
The most significant documentary evidence is expected to come from the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, where records relating to appointments, postings, disciplinary proceedings and termination of employment would ordinarily be maintained.
The investigation is therefore seeking answers to several questions: whether Hunye previously served under the name Abayomi Semako Korote; whether he was employed by Alimosho Local Government; whether he was transferred to Badagry; whether disciplinary proceedings were instituted against him over cooperative funds; the actual outcome of those proceedings; and whether there was a subsequent lawful change of name.
Also requiring clarification is the information contained in his original employment documentation concerning his hometown and state of origin and how it compares with his present claim of being an indigene of Tube in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Political observers say the questions assume greater public significance because they concern the background and integrity of a former public office holder who continues to pursue political office in Ogun State.
Calls made to Mr. Abayomi Hunye to hear his side of the story were not answered at the time of filing this report.
