Project diversion allegation fuels Amosun-Adeola rift

A fierce political dispute has erupted between former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, following allegations of project diversion.

The controversy stems from a library project facilitated by Senator Adeola at Ewang Estate Extension, Abeokuta, which bore an inscription suggesting that funds allocated for the renovation of Ake Pavilion were used for the library construction.

Senator Amosun, through a statement signed by his media aide, Lanre Akinwale, accused Senator Adeola of diverting federal funds meant for the renovation of Ake Pavilion to an entirely different project.

The inscription on the signpost at the library site read, “Renovation of Ake Pavilion Roofing and other Facilities, Ogun State”, leading Amosun to question whether funds were misappropriated.

“Our attention has been drawn to a Library construction project at Ewang Estate Extension, Abeokuta, facilitated by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI). However, the project board erected at the site of the library project has an inscription tagged, ‘Renovation of Ake Pavilion Roofing and other Facilities, Ogun State’,” Akinwale stated.

He further emphasized that the Ake Pavilion project is a personal initiative of Senator Amosun and was never included in the federal budget.

“The Ake Pavilion project was conceptualized as a gift to the people of Abeokuta by Senator Amosun and has been funded entirely from his personal resources,” Akinwale added.

Reacting to the allegation, Senator Adeola, through his media adviser, Kayode Odunaro, refuted claims of project diversion, stating that the inscription merely reflected budgetary terminology that covered multiple infrastructural projects in Ogun State.

“For the records, there is no case of diversion of project as insinuated based on the inscription on the signpost at the completed library project. The inscription ‘Renovation of Ake Pavilion Roofing and Other Facilities, Ogun State’ signifies that the budget included various facilities beyond Ake Pavilion, such as roads, schools, and libraries,” Adeola explained.

He clarified that the initial budget allocation included funds for the renovation of Ake Pavilion following appeals from prominent Egba sons and daughters who wanted the abandoned project completed. However, he was unaware at the time that the project was personally funded by Senator Amosun.

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“Upon realizing Senator Amosun’s involvement and commitment to completing the Ake Pavilion project using his personal funds, I, in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, redirected the available funds towards the construction of a library in Ewang Estate Extension,” Adeola added.

Political analysts have described the dispute as a reflection of deeper political tensions in Ogun State. Dr. Adebayo Olatunde, a political science lecturer at the University of Lagos, commented, “This issue goes beyond just a signpost error. It highlights the ongoing rivalry and political maneuvering among key figures in Ogun State politics.”

Similarly, urban development expert, Mrs. Funmi Olaniyan, noted, “Project transparency and accountability are crucial in governance. While Senator Adeola’s explanation aligns with budgetary practices, the inscription could have been clearer to avoid misinterpretation.”

Senator Amosun has urged Adeola to provide clear and accurate information to Ogun residents about the true nature of the library project.

Meanwhile, Adeola maintains that the library construction is a legitimate federal project meant to enhance educational infrastructure in the state.