I inherited N500bn debt from Aregbesola, Oyetola’s govts – Adeleke reveals

Governor Adeleke of Osun State revealed that his administration inherited a substantial debt of 100 billion naira in salaries, pensions, and employment-related obligations from the prior APC-led governments of Aregbesola and Oyetola.

This debt is in addition to the state’s preexisting debt of over 400 billion naira. Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, clarified that despite financial constraints and competing demands, the current administration has initiated payments to address these salary and pension arrears.

In response to lawyer Mutalubi Adebayo’s ultimatum to settle allowances owed to judges, Governor Adeleke cautioned against what he perceived as meddling activism.

The government emphasized that the lawyer’s action misrepresents the employment relationship between employees and employers.

While not attributing Adebayo’s threat to political motives, the government urged him to avoid interfering in labor disputes, which are typically resolved by unions and employers.

Instead, they suggested that he appeal to the governor to continue phased payments of outstanding liabilities and commend efforts to complete abandoned projects and settle debts.