Osun Govt Defends Spending, Dismisses Mismanagement Allegations

By Chisom Adaeze

The administration of Ademola Adeleke has pushed back against allegations of financial mismanagement, insisting that public funds in Osun State are being utilised responsibly and in accordance with established procedures.

The defence was made by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, during an interview on Westernspring Television in Osogbo, where he addressed growing criticism from opposition figures over the state’s spending patterns.

Rasheed described the allegations as false and misleading, stressing that the Adeleke led government operates strictly within procurement laws and ensures transparency in all financial dealings.

According to him, the administration adheres to “value for money” principles in executing projects, adding that infrastructure developments across the state are both visible and verifiable.

“All projects being funded by the state can be seen and assessed by residents. They are designed to directly improve the lives of the people,” he said.

The spokesperson also dismissed claims that the governor spent ₦92 billion on feeding, describing the allegation as baseless and a misrepresentation of how government finances are structured.

“It is a lie from the pit of hell,” Rasheed stated, adding that such assertions reflect either deliberate misinformation or a lack of understanding of public finance.

He explained that state expenditures are spread across various ministries, departments, and agencies, making it inaccurate to attribute aggregated spending to a single category or office.

Rasheed further accused opposition figures of criticising the administration’s “local content” policy, which prioritises the use of Osun-based contractors, engineers, and professionals in executing government projects.

He said the policy is aimed at boosting local capacity, creating jobs, and ensuring that economic benefits remain within the state.

Highlighting ongoing development efforts, the spokesperson pointed to several infrastructure projects, including road construction, bridge development, school upgrades, and healthcare improvements, as evidence of prudent spending.

He maintained that all projects meet acceptable engineering standards and align with best practices, noting that their impact is evident across communities in Osun.

Beyond infrastructure, Rasheed said government resources are being strategically deployed across key sectors such as agriculture, water supply, education, staff welfare, pensions, and empowerment programmes.

“These investments are targeted at improving livelihoods and driving sustainable development across the state,” he added.

The spokesperson also accused opposition groups of attempting to undermine governance through alleged interference in local government funding, suggesting that such actions are politically motivated.

Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering measurable results and maintaining accountability in public spending.

As political tensions continue to shape public discourse in Osun, the Adeleke government says it remains focused on governance and development, while urging residents to assess its performance based on tangible outcomes rather than political rhetoric.