Adeleke orders probe into N200m fraud in Osun College

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed an investigation into the allegations of financial mismanagement rocking the State College of Education, Ila-Orangun.

It was alleged that a sum of N200 million had been mismanaged under the current Governing Council of the College led by Dr Peter Babalola, about five months after assumption of office.

In reaction to the allegation, Adeleke in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said he has directed that his Chief of Staff, Mr. Kazeem Akinleye, should lead a committee to investigate the matter.

The statement further read, “The Committee also included the Secretary to the State Government and Commissioner for Education among others to host a crisis resolution meeting between the school management and the Governing Council.”

According to him, the committee would look into the controversies that led to the accusations and counter-accusations between the Chairman of the Governing Council, Babalola; and the College Provost, Prof Jimoh Afolabi.

“I have read various statements and allegations emanating from Ila Orangun College of Education. I have also been briefed about the conflict between the school management and the college Governing Council. The Committee is hereby directed to call a meeting of both parties.

“The Committee is to review all issues including questions of financial malpractices within the College system and propose a comprehensive accountability and transparency system.

“Let me warn that anybody implicated in any wrongdoing, financial mismanagement or corrupt conduct will face heavy sanction. I announce that I will not shield anybody no matter how highly placed”, the State Governor noted. The committee is expected to report their findings and recommendations to the Governor within two weeks,” it added.