It was announced on Tuesday by the Osun State Government that former political appointees who served under the administration of the previous governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, and are in possession of official vehicles that belong to the government must return them.
The government also stated that it was unauthorized for the Head of Service to permit any appointee to retain official vehicles upon leaving office.
The Task Force on Recovery of Assets/Government Project Vehicles was inaugurated by the current Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on February 14.
During the inauguration, Adeleke urged the Task Force members to promptly recover government assets and project vehicles that were unlawfully taken by officials from the previous administration.
Speaking to reporters in Osogbo on behalf of the committee, State Secretary, Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, highlighted that some individuals took official vehicles based on illegal approvals from the former Head of Service.
Igbalaye mentioned that the law permits the governor to allow political appointees to take home official vehicles under specific conditions.
Furthermore, he stated, “During the meeting on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the Task Force made the following observations: i. A comprehensive review is necessary to differentiate between vehicles/assets that were rightfully taken and those that were unlawfully seized;
“ii. The Governor had the authority to permit political appointees to retain their official vehicles upon completion of at least two years of service, payment of a designated fee to the government, and if the vehicle was under four years old, the appointee would pay 10% of the residual value;
“iii. The approval given by the former Governor for the release and ownership of the official vehicles (Kia cars) allocated to members of the previous Executive Council followed proper procedures; and
“iv. The directive issued by the former Head of Service allowing political appointees to take home official vehicles was deemed illegal.
“Hence, all government assets/vehicles currently in the possession of political appointees from the past administration must be returned to the Osun State Government, as they are considered unlawfully taken.”
However, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress responded by criticizing the state government for initially accusing all appointees under the previous administration of Adegboyega Oyetola of wrongfully taking government vehicles upon leaving office.
The party’s spokesperson in the state, Mr. Kola Olabisi, commented, “They should be embarrassed about their hasty accusations. Why accuse all Oyetola appointees of taking official vehicles?”
“They should have verified their information properly. While we do not condone illegality, the lack of coordination within this administration should be a concern for all.
“Our advice is to avoid any illegal actions. The committee’s role does not include seizing vehicles from rightful owners, as that could lead to legal trouble.”