Osun State Defends Governor’s Travel Spending

The Osun State government has pushed back against claims that Governor Ademola Adeleke misused public funds through frequent local and foreign trips.

The government says the spending in question is being misrepresented and insists that the governor remains fully committed to transparency and responsible use of state resources.

The issue arose after a recent publication accused the Adeleke-led administration of overspending on travel. In response, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the figures being circulated cover almost a year’s worth of training costs across more than 100 agencies in the state. He argued that the travel expenses were not solely tied to the governor, as many other senior officials also traveled for work-related engagements.

According to the government, the governor often covers his own travel expenses using the family’s private jet, including his current visit to the United States. This, they said, shows his effort to reduce the financial burden on the state. The administration also said that many agencies carried out most of their training programs earlier in the year due to expected political activities closer to 2026.

The report that sparked the backlash was described as misleading and politically motivated. Rasheed said it failed to explain the importance of the trainings and meetings the officials attended, both locally and abroad. He explained that the figures include costs for transport, accommodation, and feeding for commissioners, permanent secretaries, agency heads, directors, and other officials.

One of the key trips cited was the Commonwealth Business Investment Conference, where Adeleke’s delegation signed a partnership deal with ESG Management Services UK Ltd. to attract investment to Osun. Ministries such as Commerce and Industry, Agriculture, Science and Innovation, Climate and Renewable Energy, Water Resources, and others also participated in international engagements aimed at boosting their sectors.

The government stressed that such trips are part of a larger plan to improve skills and performance in public service. Rasheed noted that the high exchange rate of the naira has inflated the costs of foreign trips and training, even though the number of delegates has been reduced compared to past administrations.

He said comparing the current exchange rate to previous years gives a clearer picture of the situation. A trip that cost ₦400,000 in the past now requires over ₦1.6 million for the same value in dollars. This, according to him, explains why the overall figures seem higher even though efforts have been made to cut back on travel.

Rasheed also addressed spending on cleaning, fumigation, and refreshments, saying these cover regular maintenance across government offices, schools, hospitals, and other public institutions. He said the figures in question were posted on the government’s official platform as part of their commitment to openness.

The state government concluded by encouraging anyone interested in further breakdowns to make a request through the Freedom of Information Act, adding that nothing is being hidden from the public.