Dare Babalola
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has threatened to sue a media outlet, Sahara Reporters, owned by human rights activist, Sowore if it fails to retract the allegation of extravagance levelled against him.
Recall that the outlet had earlier reported that Adelabu constructed a luxury mansion within two years of his appointment, amidst the backdrop of electricity tariff increases.
Responding, Adelabu, through his media aide, Femi Awogboro, dismissed the claim, saying the house was completed in August 2023, a month before he was appointed Minister.
He described the report as false, mischievous, and misleading calculated to tarnished reputation of the Minister.
According to the Minister, he has long been recognised as a prominent investor in real estate, agriculture, and hospitality, with visible projects across Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and beyond.
He said, “I began and completed this project before my appointment. I only moved in this year due to work schedules and timing constraints. The attention arose after a viral video of my hosting of popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, following the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election campaign flag-off.”
He further noted that he has resided in the same location since 2010 when he built and publicly unveiled the original structure during his career as a senior banking and finance executive.
The current property, he said, is simply a redevelopment of the old house.
“Everyone is aware of my long-standing investments in hospitality and real estate, both within and outside Oyo State, which have contributed significantly to job creation.
“Sahara Reporters’ baseless publication is a failed attempt to discredit me and, by extension, undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the Minister stated.
He however called on the media outlet to “immediately retract this false and misleading report,” warning that failure to do so could compel him to pursue legal action.
