Pandora Papers: Osun Gov speaks on UK property scandal

Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has debunked his alleged involvement in a property scandal in London, United Kingdom.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipida on Saturday, Oyetola described the report linking him to the purchase of the property as unfounded and untrue.

He said that he resigned from the company, ‘Aranda Overseas Corporation’, that was allegedly used to buy the said property in 2011 upon his appointment as the Chief of Staff to the then Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

The Governor also said that he had no relationship whatsoever with Kola Aluko, the alleged owner of the said property let alone have any business transaction with him.

Oyetola said that he had not broken any law of the land as he also resigned his Directorship of Global Investments Offshore Limited upon his appointment, in 2011.

According to the statement, “We have seen reports in some online media platforms concerning the PANDORA PAPERS’ allegations.This is, therefore, to set the record straight.

“Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Governor of Osun State, resigned his directorship of Aranda Overseas Corporation in 2011, when he took up political appointment. He also surrendered his shareholding of the same company.

“Since 2011 till date, he has had no association, dealings and business transactions with the said company, as he is neither a director nor shareholder of the said company.

“He, therefore, could not have acquired the said property in 2017 either directly or through the said company as being alleged.

“As a matter of fact, Oyetola has no relationship or link with the alleged owner of the property, Mr Kolawole Aluko, let alone go into a business dealing or transaction with him.

“He also complied fully with the law of the land by exiting Global Investments Offshore Limited, as a Director in 2011, upon his appointment as the Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola.

“While we appreciate family members, friends, associates and well-wishers for their show of concern over the development, we assure them that there is nothing to worry about.

“Mr. Oyetola has always shown that he is a man who knows and respects the law in his corporate and political endeavours. The God that has brought us thus far will never forsake us.”