Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, says his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, took an N18 billion loan after the July governorship election in the state.
The governor on Thursday said the state is indebted to the tune of N407.32 billion.
Adeleke said Oyetola must explain why the state is owing N76 billion in salaries and pensions after receiving N50 billion salary bailout from the federal government.
Speaking with traditional rulers in Osogbo, the state capital, Adeleke said his administration inherited eight loan facilities alongside pension and debts, adding that the repayment period of the loans ranges from 16 months to 28 years.
Adeleke said commercial banks will also be required to explain why a loan repayment term was beyond the four-year tenure of a governor.
“My good people of Osun state, the total loan stock as at today is N331.32 billion,” the governor said.
“If the N76 billion debt on salaries and pension are added, the state is indebted to the tune of N407.32 billion . The amount owed to contractors is yet to be determined.
“The only fund in government coffers, as at Monday 29th November, was for November 2022 Salary. Otherwise, the state treasury was empty.
“As your governor, I will ask questions on your behalf and will demand for answers.
“Governor Oyetola must explain how the N331 billion borrowed in the name of Osun state was expended, with no obvious infrastructural development to justify this huge debt.
“Governor Oyetola must explain how the N18 billion bridge loan taken after he lost the election on July 16, 2022, was expended.
“Governor Oyetola must also explain why Osun state is owing salaries & pension to the tune of N76 Billion after collecting a N50 billion salary bail out Loan from the federal government
“The creditors, especially the Commercial Banks must explain why various loans were given to an administration beyond its 4 year tenure. 28 years is equivalent to the tenure of at least four Governors.
“A child that is born today would have earned a PhD at 28 years of age. This is nothing but mortgaging the future of Osun state with nothing to show for it. This is definitely not acceptable.”
Adeleke had in November, asked former appointees of the state to return all government properties in their possession.