Osun guber: Oyebamiji counters Adeleke, says Oyetola left N15bn

By Jude Opara

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has discribed as misleading the alleged claims by Governor Ademola Adeleke that former governor, Gboyega Oyetola’s administration left the state in debt, insisting that rather the past governor left a credit of N15bn.
Oyebamiji who was fielding questions from journalists at the Arise TV Town Hall Meeting held in Osun State, concerning his plans for the state said contrary to Adeleke’s claims of liabilities Oyetola handed over a buoyant state to Adeleke in 2022.
He urged the people of Osun state not to be swayed by what he described as political narratives and propaganda designed to create the impression that the current administration inherited an empty treasury.
The APC candidate further argued that the resources available to the Adeleke led administration are significantly greater than what the previous administrations had access to, especially with the increased federal allocations following major economic reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
However, he regretted that despite the increased financial resources available to the state, there is little or nothing on ground to justify the level of funding that has accrued to the government.
“As at today in Osun, 97 per cent of resources go to just two local governments. That is an aberration; actually, it is criminal. In 12 years of APC, Aregbesola and Oyetola, Osun got only N450 billion. In three and a half years of Adeleke, they have collected N650 billion. How does N650 billion match what we see in Osun today?”
“The resources available to the present administration in Osun have never been available to any governor of this state in this manner. But when you look around Osun today, there is nothing that commensurates with the level of resources available to the government,” Oyebamiji said.
Oyebamiji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for taking what he described as bold and courageous decisions to remove the fuel subsidy and reform the nation’s economy.
He assured that despite the initial challenges created by the reforms, they have substantially increased resources available to the three tiers of government, including Osun state.
The governorship hopeful instead that the increased resources should translate into meaningful development, improved infrastructure, better social services and economic opportunities for the people.
He promised that, if elected governor, his administration would ensure that the resources of Osun State are deployed transparently, responsibly and equitably for the benefit of all citizens.
Oyebamiji who promised to be prudent with the state resources added that his administration would focus on building an Osun economy where young people have opportunities, businesses can thrive, workers are properly supported and communities across the state receive equitable attention.
The town hall meeting provided the APC flag bearer the opportunity to present his vision for Osun and respond directly to questions on governance, the economy, public finance and the challenges confronting the state.