Adeleke rehabilitates 11 abandoned APCs as Oyetola’s aide alleges fraud

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, says his administration is nearing completion of the rehabilitation of 11 out of 22 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) acquired by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola but abandoned for four years by the immediate past governor, Gboyega Oyetola.

In a statement on Monday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke expressed concern over the neglect of the APCs, which had been left to rust. He ordered their phased rehabilitation, with the first batch of 11 now almost fully restored.

The rehabilitated vehicles are reportedly marked with the inscription, “Rehabilitated by Governor Ademola Adeleke.” The governor is expected to begin the second phase after the current batch is fully upgraded.

“In line with my vow never to abandon inherited projects, I have approved the rehabilitation of the Armoured Personnel Carriers in phases. This will strengthen state security and surveillance,” Adeleke was quoted as saying.

He added that his administration prioritizes development over political rivalry. “We are interested in politics without bitterness. Our goal is to develop Osun and never allow any state assets to waste away.”

Meanwhile, Ismail Omipidan, former spokesperson to Oyetola—now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy—has alleged fraud in the rehabilitation exercise.

He accused the current administration of merely repainting the vehicles. “After painting the Omoluabi buses, they are now repainting the APCs from red to black. Later, they will present them as newly acquired to support security agencies in the state,” Omipidan claimed.