Adelabu refutes allegations of building mansion with public funds

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has denied reports alleging he built a luxury mansion within two years of assuming office.

An online publication claimed the minister funded the construction through corrupt means during a period of electricity tariff hikes.

In a statement by his media aide, Femi Awogboro, Adelabu described the claims as “false” and “mischievous.”

He explained that construction began in November 2021 and was completed in August 2023 — a month before his appointment as Minister of Power in September 2023.

According to him, the project was a redevelopment of a house he originally built and unveiled in 2010 while working as a senior banking and finance executive. He said the upgrade was to meet the demands of his expanded political and public responsibilities.

Adelabu provided dated photographs, official building approvals, and correspondence to support his position, adding that he has long invested in real estate, hospitality, and agriculture across Ibadan and beyond.

He said public attention turned to the property after a viral video showed him hosting Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma following the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election campaign flag-off.

Adelabu demanded the withdrawal of the report, warning that failure to do so would leave him with no choice but to seek legal redress.