The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has intensified its scrutiny of past Osun State government activities, summoning former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Adebayo Adeleke, for questioning. Hobnob News has learned that the invitation is linked to fraud allegations, further deepening the political and legal complexities surrounding the state’s governance.
Adeleke’s media aide, Kazeem Mohammed, confirmed the receipt of the ICPC’s invitation letter, assuring that his principal would cooperate with the agency. Mohammed clarified that Adeleke was not arrested, as speculated on social media, but rather received the invitation from ICPC officials as he was leaving a radio station in Osogbo, the state capital.
The investigation stems from a petition filed by the Osun State Government with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which demanded a probe into the renovation of Primary Healthcare Centres during the tenure of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. The petition specifically named Adeleke and other All Progressives Congress (APC) figures, alleging that their companies were awarded renovation contracts.
Adeleke, however, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that he had resigned from the company in question before the contract awards. He further accused Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration of targeting him in retaliation for exposing alleged infractions committed by the current government.
Commenting on the ICPC invitation, Mohammed emphasized that it was a formal summons and not an arrest. “He has been invited. Some ICPC officials brought the letter to him when he was about to leave the premises of a radio station in Osogbo this evening. He received the letter and promised to honour it at a later date,” Mohammed stated. “Those that brought the letter were very civil. He was not arrested. Prince Adeleke even spoke about the invite by the ICPC during a radio programme today (Monday). So, no cause for alarm.”
The situation underscores the ongoing political tensions in Osun State, with allegations of corruption and counter-allegations of political persecution fueling a climate of mistrust. The ICPC’s investigation is expected to shed light on the truth behind the allegations and provide a clearer understanding of the financial activities during the previous administration.
The ex-commissioner’s willingness to honor the ICPC invite is a crucial development. As the investigation progresses, the focus will be on the evidence presented and the agency’s findings. The outcome of this probe will have significant implications for the political landscape in Osun State and potentially lead to further investigations into past government activities. Hobnob News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
