Osun: State Govt Dismisses Opposition Allegations As ‘Misleading and Politically Motivated’

THE Osun State Government has pushed back against a series of allegations being circulated by opposition elements ahead of the governorship election, dismissing 14 claims concerning the administration’s projects, finances, security record and governance as misleading and politically motivated.

In a 14-point fact-check document, the government defended the quality of its infrastructure projects, insisting that the works are being handled by experienced and COREN-certified engineers and subjected to technical validation.

The administration also rejected claims that it awarded major construction projects to companies without the requisite expertise, saying the contractors engaged passed due-diligence, due-process and procurement requirements and have qualified professionals within their ranks.

On criticism over the use of local contractors instead of multinational construction firms, the government said its local-content policy was designed to build the capacity of indigenous companies, retain public funds within the state and strengthen local construction skills and economies.

The government further denied that newly constructed bridges had collapsed because of poor workmanship. It described the reported incidents as opposition propaganda and sabotage, while also arguing that one of the roads cited by the opposition was actually constructed under the previous Oyetola administration and was located in Ile-Ife rather than Modakeke.

On the politically sensitive issue of insecurity, the government rejected allegations that Governor Ademola Adeleke sponsors violence, portraying the governor as a leader who has instructed his supporters not to retaliate against attacks. The document also made claims concerning casualties, injuries and arrests involving Accord Party members.

The administration also dismissed as false the allegation that Governor Adeleke spent ₦92 billion on entertainment within the Governor’s Office over three years. According to the government, the office contains eight agencies with separate budgetary sub-headings and expenditure responsibilities, arguing that the entire allocation cannot be attributed personally to the governor or entertainment.

On the controversy surrounding the Ido-Osun Airport, the government said the facility was handed over to the Nigerian Air Force by the former Oyetola administration for an aviation city and training centre arrangement, insisting that the airport remains at Odo-Osun.

The government also rejected allegations of an “Edenisation agenda”, saying its infrastructure programme was designed to cover local governments across the state. It pointed to projects in Ila-Orangun, Iwo, Ilesa, Ede and Ile-Ife as part of the second phase of the infrastructure agenda.

Defending its financial record, the administration argued that comparing present-day government revenue and expenditure with the pre-2022 period without accounting for inflation and exchange-rate pressures would be misleading. It claimed to have delivered 350 kilometres of roads, three flyovers, six dualised roads, 150 renovated schools and more than 200 renovated health centres, among other projects.

The government further dismissed claims that Governor Adeleke is not in control of the state, stating that he remains constitutionally responsible for executive decisions and that neither his brother nor sister is a member of the state cabinet.

On the controversial tractor procurement, the administration explained that its plan was to acquire more than 100 tractors in three batches. It said the first batch of 31 had been purchased and deployed, while the subsequent procurement was put on hold because of financial constraints.

The government also defended its decision concerning workers employed by the previous administration, arguing that the appointments were made after the 2022 election and had not been concluded before the former government left office.

On tuition at the University of Ilesa, the government said the relatively higher fees for medical and law students reflected the specialised facilities and standards required for those programmes, while maintaining that the institution remained comparatively affordable.

Finally, responding to criticism of Governor Adeleke’s public dancing, the government said the governor considers the act an expression of gratitude to God and maintained that it has no bearing on his commitment to governance.

The latest response places the administration’s defence squarely within the increasingly intense political contest in Osun, with the government seeking to counter opposition narratives over its record before voters.

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