Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu Refutes Allegations of Corruption Over Mansion Construction
- Chief Adebayo Adelabu has dismissed claims that he built a luxury mansion during his tenure as minister of Power, calling the allegations baseless and misleading
- The minister clarified that the property was completed before his appointment in September 2023 and is a redevelopment of an older structure
- He warned the media outlet responsible for the viral report to retract the story or face potential legal action
Nigeria’s minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has firmly denied allegations that he constructed a luxury mansion within two years of assuming office, describing the claims as “false, mischievous and a calculated attempt to tarnish his image.”
The allegations surfaced in a viral video published by an online media outlet, which accused the minister of flaunting an extravagant lifestyle allegedly funded through corrupt means. The video claimed that the mansion was built during his ministerial tenure and implied misuse of public funds.
Source: Twitter
Mansion completed before ministerial appointment - Adelabu
In a statement released by his media aide, Mr Femi Awogboro, Chief Adelabu clarified that the building project in question began in November 2021 and was completed in August 2023 — a full month before his appointment as Minister of Power in September 2023.
To support his claims, the minister provided dated photographs of the construction process, official building approvals, and other relevant documentation. He emphasised that the property was not a new acquisition but a redevelopment of an existing structure.
“I began and completed this project before my appointment. I only moved in this year due to work schedules and timing constraints,” Adelabu stated.
Longstanding real estate investments in Ibadan
Chief Adelabu also highlighted his longstanding involvement in real estate, agriculture and hospitality, noting that he has been a recognised investor with visible projects across Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, and beyond.
He explained that he had lived in the same location since 2010, when he first built and publicly unveiled the original structure during his career as a senior banking and finance executive.
The current property, he said, is a redevelopment undertaken twelve years later to meet the growing demands of his political engagements.
“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,” he added.
Fuji Musician visit sparked viral speculation
The minister attributed the renewed attention to a viral video showing his hosting of popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, following the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election campaign flag-off.
Chief Adelabu condemned the report by Sahara Reporters as a “failed attempt to discredit me and, by extension, undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” He called on the media outlet to retract the publication immediately, warning that failure to do so could prompt legal action.
Source: Twitter
Adelabu reacts as Tinubu sacks 5 ministers
Legit.ng earlier reported that the minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle, announced on Wednesday, October 23.
In a statement from his aide, Bolaji Tunji, the minister congratulated the Oyo state-born former minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on his appointment as a Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation to Tinubu.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
