Osun Commissioner, ex-Commissioner clash over alleged misappropriation of N3.7bn

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, has denied allegations of financial misconduct leveled against him by Prince Adebayo Adeleke, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under the administration of Gboyega Oyetola.

Adeleke had accused Alimi of misappropriating N3.7 billion during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs between 2017 and 2018, while serving under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

In response, Alimi, in a statement issued in Osogbo on Thursday, challenged Adeleke to provide evidence of the claims, warning that he would take legal action for libel and defamation. He also urged the former commissioner to honor invitations from anti-graft agencies over allegations against him.

“For the umpteenth time, I, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, use this opportunity to tell him and others in his sinking ship that my decision to take him to a competent court of law for blackmailing me is not a threat. Any moment from now, he will hear from my team of lawyers, who are already working on the case,” Alimi stated.

He further advised Adeleke to stop using ALGON as a cover to attack his integrity, insisting that if the former commissioner had any evidence of fraud or financial misconduct, he should approach anti-graft agencies instead of engaging in public accusations.

In a swift reaction, Adeleke also issued a statement challenging Alimi to provide a detailed account of how the alleged missing funds were utilized under his supervision, insisting there was no record of projects executed with the money.

“Records show that there is no evidence of how the N3.7 billion was utilized, nor are there any records of projects executed with these funds,” Adeleke said. “As his successor in the ministry, I ensured that all projects and financial transactions were properly documented, approved, and certified by the Auditor General for Local Government. I urge Barr. Alimi to provide evidence of his stewardship as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in 2017 and 2018, as I have done in a compiled publication certified by the Auditor General for Local Government.”

The dispute between both officials has sparked public interest, with observers calling for transparency and accountability in the management of government funds.