The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised serious concerns about alleged nepotism and corruption in the awarding of multibillion-naira infrastructural projects by Governor Ademola Adeleke to his family members and close associates. The opposition party accused the governor of turning the state into a private enterprise for the benefit of his relatives, including his elder brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke, and his son, popular musician Davido.
At a press conference in Osogbo, APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal called on anti-graft agencies to investigate the alleged violations of the state’s Public Procurement Law. The party claimed that contracts worth N50 billion were awarded to companies with no experience in road construction, including those owned by Deputy Speaker Akinyode Abidemi Oyewusi.
According to Lawal, the contracts were awarded at exorbitant costs to companies with no track record in road construction, raising suspicions of corruption and conflict of interest. The APC urged the ICPC and EFCC to intervene and prevent further mismanagement of public funds in Osun State.
In response, Deputy Speaker Oyewusi denied any wrongdoing and stated that he had resigned from the company involved in the contracts. The Osun Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also refuted the allegations, calling them lies and fake news. The party defended Governor Adeleke’s administration, claiming that the state government is following the law and using resources prudently for infrastructure development.
The controversy surrounding the awarding of contracts in Osun State highlights the ongoing battle against corruption and nepotism in Nigeria’s political landscape. As the allegations continue to unfold, the role of anti-graft agencies and the commitment to transparency and accountability in governance will be crucial in ensuring the proper use of public funds for the benefit of all citizens.
