A former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has debunked the claims that he disparaged Oke Ogun area in a recent interview he granted.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, on Monday, Adelabu expressed disappointment at the deliberate malignment of this thoughts of during the interview.
“The attention of the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has been drawn to a publication by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiodun Olasupo, and National President of Iseyin Development Union, Alh. Bayo Raji, over the recent interview he granted on a radio station in Ibadan.
“Chief Adelabu in the interview reacted to the costs of some projects embarked upon by the Seyi Makinde-led administration and at no point did he described Moniya- Ijaye-Iseyin road project as waste of resources.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Adelabu, being an accountant of international repute faulted the over-bloated budget allocated for the project and dimension of the road, which he claimed to be very narrow, and below the recognised standard.
“There’s no doubt that the road is strategic towards boosting the economy of Iseyin and Oke Ogun, which is regarded as the food basket of the state. However, Olasupo is ignorant about financial management and the frivolous spending of this present administration and a novice like him can never be notice.it.
“Chief Adelabu is concerned and passionate about spending Oyo State resources judiciously and would raise eyebrow when there is a contract inflation,” the statement read.
According to Awogboro, Adelabu who is a prudent banker and an industrialist with deep knowledge of financial administration would not want anything that can hinder the smooth relationship he has with the people of Iseyin and Oke Ogun in general, hence, the need to respond to Olasupo, who wanted to use the opportunity to whip up sentiments against Adelabu.
“In the same vein, Chief Adelabu respectively enjoined the National President of Iseyin Development Union to listen to the whole interview, digest the message and his position on the state of the road.
“Adelabu will continue to have regard and respect for Iseyin Development Union and people of Iseyin while remaining focus on the development of Oyo State.
“Adebayo Adelabu is a trustworthy leader who has an outstanding record and achievements in the banking sector. He is concerned about how Oyo State fund is being managed under Seyi Makinde, especially on the inflated road projects, which include Moniya-Ijaye-Iseyin road and not its economic importance,” it said.
Awogboro further explained that Adelabu is looking forward to an avenue to have a discussion with members of Iseyin Development Union on his plan for the economic prosperity of Iseyin and Oke Ogun in general, that will fast track meaningful development to the area within his first two years in office when he becomes the governor of the state.