The ongoing political rivalry between All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and the Osun State Government intensified on Monday as Adebayo Adeleke, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, accused his predecessor, Kolapo Alimi, of overseeing the withdrawal of N3.7 billion by officials of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). Adeleke, who served under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola from 2019 to 2022, leveled these charges while countering a petition the state government filed against him with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The petition alleged that Adeleke illegally secured renovation contracts for Primary Healthcare Centres during his tenure.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo alongside local government chairmen elected on October 15, 2022, Adeleke denied the accusations, calling them baseless, and turned the spotlight on the current administration, alleging financial mismanagement. He claimed that part of the N3.7 billion was siphoned through ALGON officials tied to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration, pointing to broader irregularities. Adeleke also accused the government of squandering N2 billion in COVID-19 relief funds and bypassing due process in contract awards.
Detailing specific transactions, Adeleke alleged that on December 27, 2017, former ALGON Chairman Jayeola Omoboyede withdrew N60 million in six N10 million tranches. The next day, he said, Temilade Olokungboye—then ALGON Secretary and now a special adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke—withdrew N70 million in one go. He further cited a N100 million withdrawal on March 29, 2018, by the same duo, asserting these moves happened under Alimi’s watch. Adeleke argued the administration was scapegoating him to deflect from its own financial lapses, claiming, “They alleged we laundered money, but they have no proof. Now, we have their records.”
On the healthcare contract allegations, Adeleke admitted the involved company was his but insisted he resigned from it upon taking office, distancing himself from any wrongdoing. In a sharp rebuttal, Alimi challenged Adeleke to file a formal EFCC petition if he had evidence, dismissing the accusations as noise. “The allegations against Adeleke sent to the EFCC are true. This is not tit for tat,” Alimi said, urging Adeleke to face the charges head-on. He maintained that ALGON operates independently, not under a commissioner’s direct control, and that its account signatories—Omoboyede, Olokungboye, and Kujembola (now APC state treasurer)—managed its funds. Alimi questioned why Adeleke omitted Kujembola, calling his accusers hypocrites, and noted that the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission had already summoned Adeleke, with EFCC action looming.
The exce underscores a deepening rift, with both sides trading corruption claims amid a tense political climate in Osun. Social media buzz reflects public intrigue and skepticism, amplifying the feud’s visibility as each camp digs in.
Could this feud in Osun be a smokescreen for bigger issues? Whos really benefiting from all this drama? 🤔
Is it just me, or is this political drama in Osun getting more intense than a reality TV show? 🍿🤔
Do you think these allegations will lead to real consequences or just more political drama? Curious to hear your thoughts!
I cant believe the audacity of these politicians! N3.7bn withdrawal allegations? Its like they think they can get away with anything. Outrageous!
Do you think this withdrawal scandal will impact the upcoming elections in Osun? Its getting intense! #OsunPolitics
Who do you think is really behind the N3.7bn withdrawal in Osun? Lets speculate and share our theories!
Wow, the drama in Osun is heating up! Cant wait to see how this N3.7bn withdrawal allegation saga unfolds. Whats your take?
Wow, the drama in Osun is heating up! Do you think the N3.7bn withdrawal allegations are true or just political mudslinging?