Reaction from opposition as Governors siblings donate N1 billion to Church
Reaction from opposition as Governors siblings donate N1 billion to Church
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has sharply criticised the decision by Governor Ademola Adeleke and his siblings to donate N1 billion to the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Lagos.
In a statement issued by APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, the party condemned the governor’s action, particularly given the state’s current financial difficulties.
Lawal pointed out that while the donation was made in honor of the late Esther Adeleke, a revered church member, it is concerning that such a substantial sum was given during a period of economic strain in Osun State.
Dr. Deji Adeleke had announced the donation on Sunday as a tribute to their late mother. The announcement has elicited varied responses from across society, with many questioning the appropriateness of the gesture.
Lawal argued that spending such a large amount of money on a charitable donation during a time of financial distress is morally questionable.
He emphasised that while the APC supports charitable giving, it should be done with respect and propriety.
Lawal also criticised the timing of the donation, suggesting that it could be perceived as using state resources for personal or familial interests.
He raised concerns about why the Adeleke siblings chose this moment to make the donation, given that Adeleke is still serving as governor and overseeing state funds.
Furthermore, Lawal contended that this situation highlights either a lack of sound advice or a disregard for the counsel of the governor’s numerous advisers.
He noted that Governor Adeleke’s administration has the highest number of Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants in Nigeria, raising questions about the effectiveness of this advisory support.
The Osun State APC chairman said: “It won’t be an overstatement to state that it was from the scarce resources of the Osun State fund that Governor Adeleke used as a mega donation in the remembrance of his mother in a church in Lagos.
“We, as a party, are not objecting to the extension of a helping hand to religious houses by either individuals, corporate bodies or political functionaries but it is our candid view that decency and morality should not be sacrificed on the altar of charity.
“While we consider it needless to comment on the overburdened queer manner of the governor’s comportment in the public which is at variance with his exalted position as number one citizen in Osun State, Governor Adeleke would save us the collective shame of wriggling his frame at the striking of two objects just the way he did at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church where he went to on his donation spree at a time he is yet to state any convincing statement on the N70,000.00 minimum wage for government workers in the state as approved by the Federal Government.”
