Osun Senators Debunk Allegation Of Possessing Government Assets

Senator Adelere Adeyemi Oriolowo representing Osun West Senatorial District has denied being in possession of assets of the Osun State Government.

The Osun Asset Review Committee had alleged that Senator Oriolowo had in his possession assets that belonged to the state government.

Oriolowo publicly debunked the allegations during a press conference held on Tuesday in Iwo.

"The report authored by an Assets Recovery Committee of the State set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke indicated that I was in custody of 130G Motor Grader (005132-A321), D6 Bulldozer (OS130-A32), Electric Transformer Feeder Board Panel and Soil Compactor Machine (OS137- A32)."

He described the publication as blatant falsehood, a naked display of recklessness, sacrilegious dereliction of truth and unjustifiable character assassination.

"Since the publication, many well-meaning people within and outside the shores of Nigeria have continuously reached out to him for clarification and solidarity," he said.

Oriolowo was the General Manager of the Osun State Agricultural Development Corporation from 2007 to 2013 and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Rural Development and Community Affairs of Osun from 2013 to 2016 before becoming the Senator representing his Federal Constituency in 2019.

Speaking further, Oriolowo added that he deserves an apology and compensation from the State Government, the damage caused to his name, reputation and legacy.

"I've instructed my lawyers to write to the State Government demanding a letter of apology within seven (7) days and to also pay the sum of Five Hundred Million Naira as compensation for the unquantifiable damage done to my name and integrity.

"My lawyer's letter has been received by the Government on the 30th December, 2022 and it is my hope that this Government will retrace its steps, retract the publication and apologize to me. Failure in which, I will use all legal means available to me to get justice," he stated.

Oriolowo said equipment which belonged to the then OSSADEP were in existence when he left the agency 15 years ago and he was not invited by the committee, no call, no message or letter before the publication of the reports.

"I was taken aback as to why a committee of the State would jettison the principle of fair hearing by inviting me to defend whatever report they must have gotten.

"I also reliably gathered that this said committee failed to submit their report to their principal before going to the public to malign my name," he said.

He urged Governor Adeleke to reveal to the people what he and his administration are capable of doing so that the people will not regret putting them in power.