The political atmosphere in Ogun State has been charged with controversy following allegations by former Governor and Senator Ibikunle Amosun against Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
Amosun accused Adeola of diverting funds meant for the renovation of the Ake Pavilion to a library project in Abeokuta. However, Adeola has firmly denied the allegations, asserting his commitment to infrastructural development for Ogun West and beyond.
In a statement released by his media aide, Lanre Akinwale, Amosun expressed concerns over the signage at the site of a library project facilitated by Adeola at Ewang Estate Extension, Abeokuta. The signboard read, “Renovation of Ake Pavilion Roofing and Other Facilities, Ogun State,” which Amosun claimed implied that funds allocated for the Ake Pavilion project were diverted.
He clarified that the Ake Pavilion, a personal initiative financed solely by him, was never part of any federal appropriation or constituency project during his tenure as Ogun Central Senator.
Amosun described the Ake Pavilion as a monumental tourist attraction featuring an amphitheater, banquet halls, a museum showcasing Abeokuta’s history, and other facilities—all nearing completion through his personal resources. He urged Adeola to provide accurate information about the library project and avoid misrepresenting facts.
In response, Senator Adeola dismissed the allegations as baseless. Through his media adviser Kayode Odunaro, he explained that the inscription on the library project signboard reflects standard budgetary terminologies.
The phrase “and other facilities” indicates that funds allocated in the federal budget were not confined to Ake Pavilion but could be used for various projects across Ogun State, including roads, schools, and libraries.
Adeola clarified that he initially included funding for the renovation of Ake Pavilion in response to appeals from prominent individuals in Egbaland who sought federal intervention for its completion. However, he was later informed that the pavilion was Amosun’s personal project. Consequently, Adeola redirected the funds to construct a library at Ewang Estate Extension in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
“There is nothing untoward about the inscription at the library site,” Adeola stated. “It reflects what is contained in the ministry’s budget used to fund the project. Whipping up controversy over this is unnecessary.”
Senator Adeola emphasized his unwavering dedication to improving infrastructure and socioeconomic conditions in Ogun West and Ogun State at large.
His tenure has been marked by transformative projects, including road construction, modern markets, ICT centers, healthcare facilities, and educational initiatives.
These efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and have earned widespread appreciation from constituents.
Addressing Amosun directly, Adeola declared: “I am unapologetic about bringing development to my people. My focus remains on delivering impactful projects that uplift lives and foster growth.”
The controversy has sparked mixed reactions among residents of Ogun State. While some support Amosun’s call for transparency regarding federal projects, others commend Adeola’s proactive approach to addressing infrastructural gaps in underserved areas like Ogun West.
As both political figures continue their exchanges, observers note that this clash underscores broader issues surrounding governance accountability and resource allocation in Nigeria’s legislative processes.
