The Osun State Government has issued a directive for the return of official vehicles taken by political appointees during the Adegboyega Oyetola administration, as stated in a White Paper released on Thursday. The directive also outlined the establishment of a task force responsible for recovering government vehicles appropriated by officials of the previous administration.
According to a statement signed by Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for Governor Ademola Adeleke, the government approved six White Papers, including those from committees investigating issues raised by executive orders issued by Governor Adeleke in November 2022 at the commencement of his administration. These White Papers cover various aspects, including Chieftaincy Matters, Contracts/MOU/Agreements Review, Solid Minerals, Assets Inventory and Recovery, Staff Audit/Appointments/Promotions Review, and the Education Summit.
The statement noted that Governor Adeleke, in alignment with his commitment to due process, consultation, and adherence to the rule of law, reviewed and ratified the White Papers after their initial approval by the State Executive Council. One of the specific directives outlined in the White Paper is the creation of a task force dedicated to recovering government vehicles taken by officials during the Adegboyega Oyetola administration.
Recalling the Adeleke administration’s accusations of widespread looting of public buildings, including the official residences of the governor and deputy governor, upon assuming office in November 2022, the statement mentioned that political appointees were alleged to have left with official vehicles assigned to their offices. As a measure to retrieve these properties, the Adeleke administration had previously withheld the November salary and severance packages of the implicated individuals.