The Chairperson of Epe Local Government in Lagos State, Princess Surah Olayemi Animashahun, has dismissed allegations of plagiarism and misconduct levelled against her by the Epe Young Professionals group.
The group accused Animashahun of copying a 2015 address by former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola in a recent press statement, demanding a public apology or legal action.
They also alleged financial mismanagement, certificate forgery, and unauthorised sale of government properties.
In a statement on Sunday, Animashahun described the claims as “baseless and politically motivated,” aimed at distracting her administration. She defended the use of the statement attributed to Fashola, calling it a “widely recognised expression” in public discourse.
On financial mismanagement, she said her administration has maintained transparency, with all transactions accounted for and no concerns raised by monitoring agencies. She also denied selling government properties, explaining that deteriorated items, such as telecommunications masts and generators, were removed with official approval to address safety risks.
Animashahun attributed the allegations to a political agenda to undermine her re-election prospects, vowing to remain focused on delivering “impactful governance” under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Leadership is ordained by God,” she said, quoting Romans 13:1-2. “No amount of propaganda can derail our commitment to the people of Epe.”
