The senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, Adelere Oriolowo, has threatened legal action against Governor Ademola Adeleke, for alleged defamation over stolen vehicles.
This is over an allegation by the Asset Recovery Committee set up by the government that Mr Oriolowo converted five machines belonging to Osun State Agricultural Development Programme to personal use.
The committee also accused former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, his wife, Kafayat and some officials who served under the former governor, of taking away government vehicles valued at N3.2 billion after their time in office.
Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson of Governor Adeleke, had also urged those concerned to return the vehicles or face the law.
Senator Oriolowo, at a press conference on Tuesday said the allegations against him were false.
The lawmaker who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), gave the state government seven days to retract the allegations..
He also demanded a compensation of N500 million for alleged damage to his reputation.
“I have thus instructed my lawyers to write to the State Government demanding a letter of apology within seven (7) days and to also pay the sum of Five Hundred Million Naira (N500,000,000) as compensation for the unquantifiable damage done to my name and integrity,” he said.
“My lawyer’s letter has since been received by the Government on the 30th December, 2022 and it is my hope that this Government will retrace its steps, retract the publication and apologize to me. Failure in which, I will use all legal means available to me to get justice.”
Mr Oriolowo said the allegations had caused more damage to his reputation, noting that many people have called him as regards the issue.
“Since the publication, many well- meaning people within and outside the shores of Nigeria have continuously reached out to me for clarification and solidarity,” he said.