The Osun State Government has dismissed allegations of financial misconduct contained in a petition reportedly submitted by a group known as Osun Youths Initiative for Good Governance (OYIGG), describing the claims as baseless, defamatory and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, said the petition was a “spurious and politically contrived document filled with falsehood and reckless innuendo,” insisting that the administration of Ademola Adeleke remains committed to transparency and accountability.

The government particularly refuted allegations of “multi-billion naira infrastructure fraud” and claims that public funds were diverted without legislative approval, describing them as unfounded and lacking any factual basis.

According to the statement, accusations against the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, and the Accountant-General, Mr. Rasheed Olalere Alabi, were “false, reckless and devoid of legal foundation,” stressing that both officials operate strictly within established financial regulations and due process.

The government further maintained that the Office of the Chief of Staff does not have statutory authority over state funds, describing attempts to link it to alleged financial diversion as “ridiculous and malicious.”

It also emphasized that all revenues accruing to the state are properly documented and appropriated in line with constitutional provisions, dismissing claims of unlawful fund diversion as a “dishonest fabrication.”

Highlighting its record on fiscal transparency, the government noted that Osun State recently scored 100 percent in the BudgIT Fiscal Transparency League Table, ranking among the top-performing states in public financial accountability.

The statement argued that such independent assessments contradict the allegations raised in the petition, adding that the administration has consistently subjected its finances and procurement processes to lawful scrutiny.

The government also condemned the inclusion of private individuals, including Deji Adeleke and Chief Mrs. Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, in the petition, describing the move as defamatory and malicious.

It clarified that both individuals hold no public office and play no role in government financial operations, warning that attempts to tarnish their reputation could attract legal consequences.

The state government, therefore, urged the public and relevant institutions to disregard the petition, describing it as a “politically motivated smear campaign” aimed at undermining the credibility of the current administration.

Reaffirming its commitment to good governance, the government stated that no amount of “falsehood or blackmail” would derail its focus on development and service delivery to the people of Osun State.