By Dansu Peter A fresh confrontation has erupted between Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor of Ogun State, and Senator Solomon Olamil...
By Dansu Peter
In a statement signed by his media aide, Lanre Akinwale, Amosun accused Senator Adeola of diverting a Federal Government project meant for the renovation of the Ake Pavilion in Abeokuta to the construction of a Library at Ewang Estate Extension, Abeokuta. According to Akinwale, the inscription on the project signpost, “Renovation of Ake Pavilion Roofing and other Facilities, Ogun State,” suggested that funds earmarked for the Ake Pavilion were redirected elsewhere.
Akinwale emphasized that the Ake Pavilion Project was a personal initiative of Amosun, financed solely from his resources and not tied to any constituency projects during his tenure as Ogun Central Senator from 2019 to 2023. He stressed that the multi-functional Ake Pavilion, designed as a major tourist attraction, was near completion, featuring a 3,000-capacity amphitheater, banquet halls, a museum area, and other facilities.
Responding to the allegations, Senator Adeola, through his Media Adviser, Kayode Odunaro, dismissed claims of project diversion. He clarified that the phrase “...and other facilities, Ogun State” on the project signpost implied a broader scope of infrastructural interventions beyond Ake Pavilion. According to him, this could include roads, schools, libraries, or other facilities across Ogun State, as determined by the implementing agency based on available funding.
Adeola explained that the Ake Pavilion renovation was included in the budget following appeals from prominent figures in Egbaland who were eager to see the abandoned project completed. However, he was unaware that the project was a personal undertaking by Amosun.
“On realizing Senator Amosun’s personal involvement and commitment to completing the project, I chose not to claim credit for his effort,” Adeola said. “In conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, I facilitated the construction of a Library at Ewang Estate Extension using the available funds released for the project.”
Adeola added that the inscription on the signpost accurately reflected the project title as contained in the ministry’s budget. He emphasized that there was no intention to mislead the public or undermine Amosun’s initiative.
“There is no need to stir controversy over what is meant to enhance educational development in Ogun State,” Adeola remarked. “I have facilitated similar projects across the state, including Ijebu Ode. My intention is not to take the glory for Senator Amosun’s good gesture to his community.”
The dispute has continued to draw public attention as both senators, prominent figures within Ogun State, seek to clarify their roles in the development projects that are expected to benefit their constituents.
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