Osun State Grant Misappropriation

Osogbo – A major investigation is underway in Osun State, as the government has formally requested the EFCC to investigate former Governor Gboyega Oyetola regarding the alleged misappropriation of a $20 million World Bank health grant. The accusations center around how funds meant to improve healthcare were spent.

The current administration accuses Oyetola of serious financial crimes, including money laundering and financial misconduct. The petition alleges that he violated the Public Procurement Act in the process of disbursing the grant intended to upgrade the state’s health sector.

The government’s petition details how Oyetola, as head of a special Health Intervention Committee, directed the entire $20 million towards renovating 320 primary health care centers. However, the choice of contractors has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy.

Questionable Contracts Fuel Misappropriation Claims

The heart of the controversy lies in the selection of contractors. The government alleges that contracts were awarded to individuals lacking proper construction experience. Shockingly, the list includes food vendors, salon operators, and even web designers. Companies such as Poshpreneurs Nig., Dotfam Multiventures Ltd, and Afamoks Web International are specifically named. The claim is that these companies performed substandard renovations, yet received full payment, suggesting a significant misappropriation of the grant money.

Former Official Dismisses Allegations

Adebayo Adeleke, who previously served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has dismissed these accusations as politically motivated and baseless. “I have not been contacted by the EFCC, nor have I seen this petition,” Adeleke stated. He believes the allegations are an attempt to silence his criticism of the current Governor Adeleke’s administration.