The political atmosphere in Osun State is intensifying as the state government has formally accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, of alleged corruption and mismanagement of key state resources.
In a statement released on Monday, Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson for Governor Ademola Adeleke, claimed that Oyebamiji’s record in public service raises serious concerns about his suitability to lead the state.
The Osun government’s statement outlined multiple instances where it alleged the APC candidate engaged in financial impropriety, anti-worker policies, and administrative failures during his tenure in various public service positions.
According to Rasheed, Governor Adeleke’s administration intends to make these issues public as part of preparations for the upcoming governorship election.
“The APC candidate has three broad records on which his qualifications, competence, and suitability for the governorship can be assessed,” the statement said.
“Judging from those areas, he failed each test by all accounts.”
The government insisted that Oyebamiji’s performance in each of these roles demonstrates a pattern of mismanagement and disregard for public accountability.
A central allegation involves a $20 million World Bank grant intended for primary healthcare improvement in Osun State.
The government accused Oyebamiji, who served as Commissioner for Finance, of being “party and central” to the mismanagement of the funds, which were later described as having become a “slush fund” under the administration of his predecessor.
In addition, the Osun government alleged that the APC candidate mishandled state-owned mining licences, putting them at risk of revocation before the intervention of the current administration.
“As Finance Commissioner, he mismanaged Osun State-owned mining licences, which were almost revoked until Governor Adeleke stepped in,” the statement added.
The accusations extend beyond alleged corruption. The government claimed that while serving as head of the Osun State Investment Company (OSICOL), Oyebamiji mismanaged state assets, including properties in Lagos and Abuja.
Mining investments tied to the Segilola project were also said to have been mishandled, depriving the state of revenue until the Adeleke administration renegotiated terms and restored Osun’s rightful earnings.
Furthermore, the statement alleged that Oyebamiji authorised the sale of the state’s holding in Omoluabi to a proxy firm through what it described as a non-transparent process.
He was also accused of supporting anti-worker policies, including the non-payment of pension arrears and half salaries to civil servants and senior citizens.
The government’s statement additionally criticised Oyebamiji’s tenure as Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), claiming that safety failures under his leadership resulted in over 1,000 deaths on inland waterways.
The statement argued that these incidents highlight a broader pattern of administrative inefficiency that calls his governance capabilities into question.
In response, the APC in Osun State has strongly denied the allegations. Kola Olabisi, the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, dismissed the accusations as politically motivated theatrics aimed at undermining Bola Oyebamiji ahead of the election.
“The allegations levelled against our candidate are mere theatrics and not true. He was never involved in any form of corruption,” Olabisi said.
“Those making these claims are unsettled because our candidate is well-positioned to win the forthcoming elections.”
Olabisi added that the party would study the claims in detail and respond appropriately once the elders have convened.
“Anyone accusing Mr. Oyebamiji of corruption is not telling the truth. The APC will respond fully when necessary,” he said in a phone interview with SaharaReporters.
The escalation of these accusations comes amid growing tensions in Osun State’s political landscape.
In recent weeks, the Accord Party also accused the APC of attempting to hold it politically hostage — a claim that the APC has denied.
With multiple parties intensifying campaigns and public statements, the governorship election is increasingly attracting national attention.
Analysts suggest that the allegations could play a pivotal role in shaping voter perception, especially as the Adeleke administration continues to highlight its governance achievements while drawing attention to what it describes as the shortcomings of the APC candidate.
The focus on Oyebamiji’s record in public service is expected to remain a key campaign talking point for the ruling party in Osun.
Observers note that while the APC denies any wrongdoing, the state government’s allegations, if substantiated, could influence the narrative of accountability and transparency in the upcoming election.
Meanwhile, voters in Osun are paying close attention to both sides as political debates and accusations continue to dominate headlines.
As the election approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and his perceived performance in prior public roles.
With both parties engaged in strategic campaigns, the governance record, transparency, and handling of state resources in Osun State will likely remain central to electoral discourse.
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