Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi, has denied allegations of N3.7 billion fraud leveled against him during his tenure as State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs by some members of the All Progressives Congress.
Alimi, in a media chat with Osun Online Publishers on Wednesday, stated that he was never a signatory to any Local Government accounts, emphasizing that the Local Government joint account is under the Director of Finance, not the Commissioner.
Alimi’s response comes after a strong member of the APC and his successor in office, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, also known as Banik, accused him of overseeing fraud to the tune of N3.7bn during his two-term tenure as Commissioner.
Alimi said, “If ALGON Chairman spent ALGON money, how is that my concern? They would hear from my lawyer very soon to explain how money meant for ALGON becomes my problem.”
“First and foremost, the allegations Adeleke sent to the EFCC are true. This is not tit for tat. If they believe there is a case against me, they should file a petition before the EFCC instead of making noise in the media.”
Alimi argued that the allegations against him are a diversion from the real issue of misappropriation of a $20 million health grant.
“I saw this post this morning, the statement is credited to Abdulyekeen Adebayo Adeleke, Banik… I want to categorically state that the allegations are false, malicious and defamatory made specifically to tarnish my image,” Alimi stated,
“He also demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from Banik and Jamiu Olawumi, who shared the alleged false statement, adding that If they fail to comply, that he will take them to court to claim damages.”
Officials of the State government and the main opposition APC have engaged in accusations and counter-accusation over alleged mismanagement of State resources.
