A controversy has erupted in Osun State over the rehabilitation of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), with aides of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke trading accusations over the project.
Ismail Omipidan, former Chief Press Secretary to ex-governor Oyetola, on Monday accused the Adeleke administration of repainting the APCs from red to black with the intention of presenting them as newly acquired assets.
"After painting the Omoluabi buses, they are now repainting the APCs from red colour to black," Omipidan stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He further alleged that "Later, they will present them as being purchased by them to support security agencies in the state."
In a swift response, Governor Adeleke's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the allegations, explaining that the APCs are being repaired as part of the governor's commitment to not abandon inherited projects.
According to Rasheed, the governor is "almost completing the rehabilitation of 11 out of 22 Personnel Armoured Carriers (PACs) acquired by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and abandoned for four years by former government of Mr Gboyega Oyetola."
He emphasized that the carriers are clearly marked with the inscription "Rehabilitated by Governor Ademola Adeleke" and that the governor plans to launch the second phase of rehabilitation after completing the first 11 units.
Quoting Governor Adeleke, the statement added: "In line with my vow never to abandon any inherited projects, I have approved the rehabilitation of the Armoured Personnel Carriers in phases. This will strengthen state security and surveillance."
The governor reportedly stated that his administration is "interested in politics without bitterness" and that their goal is to develop Osun State and "never allow any state assets to waste away."
This dispute adds to the ongoing political tensions between supporters of the former and current administrations in Osun State, with public assets and government projects often becoming points of contention.
