…describes reports as fake news

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Osun State Government has dismissed recurring allegations of financial recklessness, reportedly circulated by the opposition party and an online platform, describing the claims as “fake news” and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts, urging the public to rely on verified information.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, clarified that allegations of financial mismanagement under Governor Adeleke’s administration are baseless.

Alimi described the reported N38 billion expenditure within 21 months as fabricated news from opposition figures known for making unfounded allegations against the Governor.

Reports allege that the government spent N8 billion on vehicles in 2024, failed to fund gratuities and pension arrears, allocated N38 billion to the Governor’s Office, N8.09 billion on vehicle procurement, and over N500 million on entertainment, among other expenditures.

Debunking these claims, Alimi stated, “The Osun State Government has taken significant steps towards fiscal accountability and transparency by making its budget implementation report accessible to the public on its official website. This move supports our commitment to sustainable and open governance.”

“The public release of this document confirms that the government has nothing to hide, with all expenditure decisions being made with public interest and a high sense of financial prudence and discipline.”

On allegations of excessive vehicle expenses, Alimi reminded the public that the previous administration, led by Oyetola, had taken all government vehicles in 2022, necessitating new purchases for state operations.

The commissioner clarified that the N8 billion figure represents the cumulative cost of vehicles procured by the Bureau of General Services for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to replace those removed by the previous administration. The value of the missing vehicles was initially assessed at ₦4,384,838,696.39, and replacing them under current economic conditions would have cost ₦18,488,312,413.88.

On pension and gratuity arrears, Alimi noted that the current administration inherited a ₦35 billion debt from the previous government. Within just two years, the Adeleke administration has cleared ₦16.2 billion in arrears covering 2017 to 2020.

Alimi urged the public to note that the past administration, which governed between 2019 and 2022, paid N11 billion in pensions over that period, while Governor Adeleke’s government has paid over N16 billion in just two years.

Regarding expenditure within the Governor’s Office, Alimi highlighted that records show that during Oyetola’s administration from 2019 to 2022, over ₦9.6 billion was spent when the exchange rate averaged ₦300 per dollar. By contrast, the current administration has spent ₦26.18 billion since 2022, at an average exchange rate of ₦1,300 per dollar, covering capital and operational costs within the Governor’s Office.

Alimi added that the Governor’s Office includes multiple agencies and units, with the Governor’s personal office being only a small fraction of total expenses. It is misleading to attribute statutory expenses from these agencies solely to the Governor.

On the issue of security votes, Alimi clarified that the Governor does not draw any security vote, although funds are allocated to security operations and emergency services in accordance with due process and financial regulations.

Regarding claims by an online platform that Osun State spent over ₦500 million on entertainment, Alimi explained that the state has hosted numerous high-profile national events, which required budgeting for transportation, accommodation, and event logistics, all managed under a conservative budget despite inflationary pressures.

Alimi further noted that Osun State has benefited significantly, attracting developmental projects and gradually establishing itself as the event hub of the South West, aligning with the administration’s cultural, creative, and tourism agenda.

He criticised opposition efforts to tarnish the government’s reputation by distorting financial information, stating, “The public recognises the opposition’s strategy and remains supportive of the current administration, which has prioritised good governance.”

Alimi concluded by assuring the public that increased federal allocations to Osun are being channelled into welfare for workers, infrastructure improvements, social sector development, financial support for small businesses, and debt repayment on inherited pension and salary liabilities.

He urged the public to disregard fake news and verify the government’s financial practices, underscoring the administration’s commitment to prudent resource management, which he said has surpassed that of its predecessor despite current economic challenges.