Osun State Government Vows to Recover Illegally Carted Away Properties

The Secretary to the Government of Osun State, Teslim Igbalaye, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to recover properties illegally taken away by the political appointees of the previous Adegboyega Oyetola administration.

During a press conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, Igbalaye emphasized that the asset recovery committee set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke was not meant to witch-hunt any individual but to ensure the return of all alleged stolen vehicles and other government properties.

The Task Force on Recovery of Assets of Government properties, which was inaugurated by Governor Adeleke on February 14, 2024, was charged with the responsibility of recovering government assets and project vehicles that were illegally taken away by officials of the previous administration.

During a meeting on March 5, 2024, the Task Force observed that due diligence should be done to ascertain the vehicles and assets that were lawfully permissible to be taken home from those illegally taken away.

The committee discovered that the approval granted by the previous Executive Governor for the release and eventual ownership of the official vehicles (Kia cars) allocated to members of the previous Osun State Executive Council followed due process.

However, the letter of permission written by the immediate past Head of Service, directing political appointees of the previous administration to go home with the official vehicles allocated to them, was deemed illegal.

Igbalaye dismissed the claim by the Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) that the asset recovery committee was vindictive and targeted at the opposition.

He stated that all government assets and vehicles that are in the possession of the political appointees of the previous administration and are not captured in the express provisions of the paragraphs must be recovered.

This reaffirmation of the state government’s commitment to recovering illegally acquired properties underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in governance, as well as the need to protect public assets and resources.