365NEWS reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke and his siblings for donating N1 billion to the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Lagos.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, the APC condemned the governor’s decision to make such a large donation at a time when the state is facing financial difficulties.
It was recalled that on Sunday, Dr. Deji Adeleke announced the N1 billion donation to the church in honor of the late matriarch of the Adeleke family, Esther Adeleke, who was a devoted member of the church during her lifetime.
The donation has sparked reactions across various social strata, with some questioning the rationale behind the gesture.
Lawal argued that there is a moral issue with the governor and his siblings donating such a huge sum for what he described as “frivolities.” While the APC is not against individuals or groups supporting religious institutions, Lawal emphasized that such acts should be carried out with decency.
He further suggested that the timing of the donation, while Adeleke is still serving as the chief executive of the state, could lead people to suspect that the money might have come from Osun State’s coffers.
Lawal pointed out that the people of Osun State, who are the rightful owners of the state’s funds, deserve an explanation as to why the Adeleke siblings chose this moment, during Adeleke’s tenure as governor, to donate such a significant amount to their late mother’s church.
He also suggested that this incident reflects either a lack of good and credible advisers around Governor Adeleke or the governor’s refusal to take their advice, despite being known for having the highest number of Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants in Nigeria.
“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to suggest that Governor Adeleke used the scarce resources of Osun State for this massive donation in memory of his mother at a church in Lagos,” Lawal stated.
The APC chairman clarified that while the party does not oppose charitable contributions to religious institutions by individuals, corporate bodies, or political figures, such acts should be governed by decency and morality.
Lawal also criticized Governor Adeleke’s public behavior, suggesting it was not fitting for someone in his position. He pointed out that Adeleke’s donation spree at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church occurred at a time when he has yet to make a convincing statement about implementing the N70,000 minimum wage for state government workers, as approved by the Federal Government.
