The political landscape of Osun State is embroiled in a contentious battle of accusations and counter-accusations between the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, revolving around allegations of a substantial $20 million fraud. Governor Adeleke, in a formal petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has accused Oyetola of engaging in illicit financial activities, including money laundering and blatant violations of the Public Procurement Act. This petition has sparked a fierce war of words between the two political camps, each vehemently defending their stance and accusing the other of malicious intent.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyetola’s party, has vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as a politically motivated smear campaign orchestrated by Adeleke. The APC’s media director in Osun State, Kola Olabisi, has characterized the accusations as a desperate attempt by Adeleke to tarnish Oyetola’s reputation and divert attention from his own alleged failures in governance, particularly his inability to gain control of the state’s local government councils. Olabisi has challenged the Adeleke administration to provide concrete evidence to substantiate its claims, demanding the publication of contractor names, contract award dates, and specific details of the alleged fraudulent transactions. He further highlighted Oyetola’s commitment to transparency during his tenure, citing the publication of details of 110 contracts and procurements on the government portal over a three-year period, contrasting it with the current administration’s publication of only seven contract details in two years.
In a sharp rebuttal, the Osun State Government, under Governor Adeleke, has stood firm by its allegations, asserting that the petition submitted to the EFCC is the product of a meticulous and evidence-based investigation, devoid of any political motivations. The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, has emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that the investigation into Oyetola’s administration began in early 2023 with the establishment of a Contract Review Committee. This committee, according to Alimi, uncovered widespread corruption, due process violations, and gross financial mismanagement under Oyetola’s leadership. The findings were subsequently reviewed and validated by a White Paper Committee, leading to recommendations for the prosecution of implicated officials, which were duly approved by the State Executive Council in 2024.
The Osun State Government has detailed specific instances of alleged financial impropriety under Oyetola’s administration. One of the most significant accusations revolves around the mismanagement of funds earmarked for the renovation of 320 primary healthcare centers across the state. The government alleges that Oyetola circumvented due process by unilaterally awarding contracts without competitive bidding, in clear violation of established procurement laws. These contracts, according to the government, were awarded to close allies, political associates, and family members of top officials, many of whom lacked the requisite experience in construction. Despite receiving full payment, these firms allegedly delivered substandard work, further highlighting the alleged fraudulent nature of the scheme.
Further deepening the controversy, the Adeleke administration has also alleged the laundering of N1.5 billion through the Osun chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) between January and October 2022. Citing financial records from Zenith Bank, the government claims that funds were channeled into a private account linked to Akeem Ibitoye, a local government employee and Director of Finance at Ejigbo Local Government. Subsequent cash withdrawals ranging from N10 million to N30 million were allegedly made daily from this account with no record of official use, raising serious questions about the intended purpose of these transactions.
The ongoing feud between the two administrations has intensified the political polarization within Osun State. The APC continues to maintain Oyetola’s innocence, characterizing the allegations as a baseless witch-hunt designed to damage his reputation and undermine the party’s standing in the state. Conversely, the Adeleke administration remains resolute in its pursuit of justice, expressing confidence in the EFCC’s ability to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. The government has called upon the implicated officials to prepare to defend themselves against the allegations, emphasizing that no amount of political posturing will shield them from the consequences of their actions. The unfolding saga continues to grip the attention of the public, with both sides engaging in a fierce public relations battle to sway public opinion. The outcome of the EFCC investigation will undoubtedly have significant implications for the political landscape of Osun State and the reputations of the key figures involved.
