The Osun State Government has responded to public concerns and opposition criticism regarding reported travel expenditures, defending the costs as necessary and transparent investments in public sector development.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, through his spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to financial accountability.
He emphasized that the figures being circulated regarding travel expenses are being misrepresented and do not reflect the true nature or scope of the expenditure.
According to Rasheed, the total amount spent on international travel and training during the first half of 2025 represents allocations for over 100 state agencies, not solely the governor.
The cost covers the transportation, accommodation, and other logistics for a wide range of officials including commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors, and heads of state-owned institutions.
He noted that many of these trainings were strategically scheduled early in the year in anticipation of a busy political season ahead of the 2026 elections.
Rasheed also clarified that the travel budget includes necessary expenses for local and international capacity-building programmes across ministries such as Commerce and Industry, Agriculture, Science and Innovation, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Water Resources.
Highlighting Governor Adeleke’s own travel practices, the spokesperson explained that the governor often uses a private family jet, significantly reducing his personal impact on the state’s travel budget. For example, his current trip to the United States was reportedly self-funded through family resources.
Rasheed dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement as politically motivated, pointing out that details of the state’s expenditures have been publicly posted online — a move aimed at promoting transparency.
The state government also listed key international engagements attended by its officials, including the Commonwealth Business Investment Conference in the UK, where Governor Adeleke signed an MoU with ESG Management Services UK Limited.
The partnership seeks to attract UK-based investments into Osun’s agriculture, manufacturing, and solid mineral sectors.
Rasheed concluded by reiterating that travel and training efforts are part of a broader strategy to align Osun’s public service with global best practices, enhance governance, and unlock long-term economic opportunities.
