The Osun State Government has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate former governor and current Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, over alleged mismanagement of a $20 million World Bank health grant.

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration accused Oyetola of financial misconduct, money laundering, and violations of the Public Procurement Act in awarding contracts for the renovation of 320 primary healthcare centers.

The petition, dated March 7, 2025, alleged that contracts were awarded without proper bidding to individuals linked to Oyetola, including cabinet members and personal associates. It further claimed that some beneficiaries, such as food vendors and salon operators, lacked expertise in construction, leading to substandard work despite full payments.

Additionally, the government alleged that over ₦1.5 billion was funneled through the Osun chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in a suspected money laundering scheme. Financial records reportedly showed repeated cash withdrawals of ₦10 million to ₦30 million from an ALGON account without evidence of official use.

Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adebayo Adeleke, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. “I have not seen a copy of the petition, but if there is no proof, then the allegations are frivolous,” he said.

EFCC has yet to confirm receipt of the petition or announce any investigation.