APC Accuses Davido’s Dad of Corruption: The ‘Unseen Power’ in Osun

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The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has levied serious allegations against Dr. Deji Adeleke, brother of Governor Ademola Adeleke and father of renowned Nigerian singer Davido. The party has accused him of involvement in contract racketeering and mismanagement of public funds, particularly concerning a series of borehole projects awarded in various wards across the state.

In a statement issued by Mogaji Kola Olabisi, APC’s Director of Media & Information, the party claims that Dr. Adeleke secured a borehole project for an exorbitant sum of N14 million, many of which were reportedly never executed. They contrasted this with similar projects that were constructed for under N2 million each during the tenure of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, emphasizing the disparity in cost and execution.

The APC further alleged that Dr. Adeleke has been functioning as the “unofficial Governor-General” of Osun State, implying that he wields considerable influence behind the scenes. They also claimed that Mrs. Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, the governor’s elder sister, has assumed the role of “Governor-in-Charge of Administration,” while Governor Ademola Adeleke has been relegated to a ceremonial position likened to “Governor-in-Charge of Entertainment.”

These allegations of nepotism are not new. A year ago, the APC criticized Governor Adeleke for awarding multimillion-naira infrastructural projects to his brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke, and his son, Davido, among others. The party accused the governor of managing the state’s affairs as a private enterprise of the Adeleke dynasty, violating the 2015 Public Procurement Law by awarding contracts worth approximately N50 billion to entities lacking professional competence.

Additionally, the governor’s appointments have sparked outrage, with critics pointing to several instances of nepotism. For example, Mrs. Adenike Adeleke, the widow of the late Isiaka Adeleke and sister-in-law of the current governor, was appointed as Commissioner for Federal Matters. This move was condemned by the APC, which argued that it further exemplified the perception of the Adeleke administration as a family-run enterprise.

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Furthermore, Tunji Adeleke (Jnr), the governor’s nephew, was appointed Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission at just 30 years old, a position traditionally held by individuals in their 60s and 70s. Critics argue that such appointments break from established norms and raise concerns about the capability and experience required for these significant roles.

The APC has called for investigations by anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into these matters. In their recent statement, the APC expressed concern over the apparent misuse of power by family members of the governor, stating, “The cases of Governor Adeleke’s family members and officials using their closeness to government and privileged positions to corner undeserved contracts against extant laws abound.”

The political landscape in Osun State continues to be rife with controversies, and these allegations are expected to stir further debates regarding governance and accountability in the region.

For more updates, stay tuned to Newspot Nigeria.