Osun Govt Accuses APC’s Oyebamiji of $20M Health Grant Mismanagement

The Osun State government has accused Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, of mismanaging a $20 million World Bank grant and state-owned mining licences during his time in public office.

The allegations were made in a statement issued by the governor’s office and signed by the state’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Monday.

The statement claims that Oyebamiji, who previously served as Commissioner of Finance in Osun State, mishandled the World Bank primary healthcare grant, allowing funds to be misused under the subsequent administration.

The government also alleges that Oyebamiji mismanaged state-owned mining licences, which were reportedly at risk of revocation until intervention by the current administration.

According to the statement, Oyebamiji’s record in public service is questionable across three major roles. As head of the Osun State Investment Company (OSICOL), the government claims he mismanaged state resources, including properties in Lagos and Abuja, and handled mining investments linked to the Segilola project in ways that deprived the state of revenue.

The statement also alleges that Oyebamiji approved the sale of the state’s stake in Omoluabi to a proxy firm through a process described as non-transparent.

The government further criticized Oyebamiji for supporting policies that affected workers, including withholding pensions and other entitlements. His tenure as Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) was also questioned, with the statement claiming that over 1,000 deaths occurred on inland waterways during his leadership.

The APC has denied the allegations, with the party’s Director of Media and Publicity in Osun State, Kola Olabisi, describing them as false and politically motivated. Olabisi said the party would respond appropriately after reviewing the claims.

The Osun State governorship race has become increasingly tense, with multiple parties accusing each other of misconduct and political manipulation ahead of the elections.

The gubernatorial election in Osun State is set to be closely contested, as candidates from the APC, PDP, Accord Party, and other parties prepare to campaign for the upcoming polls.