..Say independent monitoring confirmed execution of projects, empowerment programmes across Ogun communities
Two Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have risen in defence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, over allegations surrounding projects linked to him, insisting that independent monitoring conducted by their teams confirmed the existence of physical projects, identifiable beneficiaries and verifiable evidence of implementation across communities.
The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) and Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI) made their position known on Tuesday during a joint press conference, where they dismissed claims that projects associated with the Ogun West senator existed only on paper.
The organisations said their findings were based on field monitoring exercises carried out before the current controversy, during which members of their teams visited project sites, inspected infrastructure and empowerment programmes, and engaged directly with residents and beneficiaries.
According to them, the monitored interventions covered roads, educational facilities, electricity projects, healthcare initiatives and community development programmes spread across various locations.
The groups also said they witnessed empowerment programmes targeted at traders, artisans, farmers, students and youths, describing the exercises as visible and verifiable.
“The projects we monitored were not imaginary projects existing only in budget documents. They were physical, identifiable and verifiable interventions that communities could point to and beneficiaries could testify about,” the organisations stated.
CSGGG and IADI further disclosed that during some of the monitoring exercises, their representatives interacted directly with beneficiaries, providing them with first-hand insight into the implementation process.
They also revealed that officials of anti-corruption agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), were observed monitoring some of the empowerment programmes.
However, the groups were quick to clarify that they were not speaking on behalf of the ICPC and could not speculate on any conclusions reached by the commission.
The organisations challenged those accusing Adeola of wrongdoing to substantiate their claims with verifiable evidence rather than broad allegations.
According to them, allegations of diversion of public funds should be accompanied by documentary proof and a clear financial trail, while claims linking the senator to companies that allegedly benefited from contracts must be supported by corporate and beneficial ownership records.
They also maintained that accusations relating to procurement breaches or contract inflation should identify specific projects and provide relevant procurement documentation and comparative cost analyses.
“If there is evidence that Senator Adeola personally benefited from any project, such evidence should be presented. If there are claims connecting him to companies alleged to have improperly secured contracts, the corporate records, beneficial ownership information and financial links should be made public,” the groups said.
While defending the projects they monitored, the organisations stressed that neither Adeola nor any public official should be insulated from legitimate scrutiny, noting that transparency and accountability remain essential pillars of democratic governance.
They argued, however, that repeated allegations, whether in the media or on social media platforms, should not automatically be treated as established facts without proper investigation and supporting evidence.
The groups also cautioned civil society organisations against becoming tools in political battles, insisting that advocacy must remain evidence-driven and objective.
Although they acknowledged receiving information suggesting that political interests might be connected to some aspects of the controversy, they said they had not independently verified such claims and would therefore not present them as facts.
They nevertheless questioned the timing of the allegations, noting that many of the projects had existed and served communities long before Adeola’s governorship aspiration emerged as a major political issue in Ogun State.
“The public is entitled to ask where these critics were before Senator Adeola declared his governorship ambition. That question does not establish motive, but it is part of the broader political context that citizens may consider,” they stated.
The organisations urged Nigerians, particularly residents of Ogun State, to independently verify both the projects and the allegations surrounding them rather than rely solely on claims from either side.
“Do not take Senator Adeola’s word for it. Do not take the word of his critics. Do not even take our word. Visit the communities, inspect the projects and speak with the beneficiaries,” they said.
They further called on those making allegations to submit whatever evidence they possess to relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies for proper investigation.
According to the groups, the communities where the projects are located remain accessible, beneficiaries can be interviewed and the projects themselves can be physically inspected.
They maintained that public accountability is best served through evidence-based investigation rather than speculation, stressing that any individual found guilty of misappropriating public resources should face the full weight of the law irrespective of political status or affiliation.
“Our organisations stand by what our teams independently observed and documented. Where there is credible evidence of wrongdoing, let it be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Where there is none, allegations should not be mistaken for proof,” the groups added.
