The Osun State Government has announced that the Asset Recovery Committee has started reclaiming state assets allegedly taken unlawfully by senior officials of the previous Adegboyega Oyetola administration.
Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, made this disclosure in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement noted that the Committee, led by Secretary to the State Government Teslim Igbalaye, began field operations on Monday in accordance with legal mandates.
This action by the government follows allegations from former Amotekun Osun Field Commander Amitolu Shittu, who claimed that thugs loyal to Governor Ademola Adeleke had invaded his home.
Alimi stated, “In an effort to carry out its mandate, the task force visited the residence of the immediate past Osun Amotekun Field Commander, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, in the early hours of Monday, July 29, 2024, recovering three vehicles illegally possessed by him.
“It should be noted that the operation conducted at Amitolu’s residence was a lawful and necessary measure to retrieve vehicles and assets unlawfully retained by him from his tenure as the Osun Amotekun Field Commander.
“During his term, Amitolu was known to have illegally possessed several vehicles that belonged to the government, which had not been returned despite repeated requests.
“It is important to note that the operation was conducted in accordance with legal protocols and was intended to recover these assets for the benefit of the state. The involvement of the Osun Security Joint Task Force (JTF) and Amotekun Corps was part of a coordinated effort to ensure the recovery process was handled efficiently and securely.
“Amitolu’s claim that the exercise was a violation of privacy and an act of political persecution is a smokescreen to divert attention from his own legal and ethical breaches. His assertions that the operation was a premeditated attempt to silence him are baseless and reflect his attempt to politicize a straightforward asset recovery process.
“Moreover, the vehicles in question were clearly documented as state property, and there is substantial evidence to support their recovery. Amitolu’s challenge to provide documents and his threat to seek legal redress are attempts to obfuscate the clear facts and delay justice.
“The government’s actions were fully justified, and the call for scrutiny by security agencies should be directed towards ensuring transparency in all operations, including those involving Amitolu’s activities.
“This recovery effort is part of a broader commitment to accountability and good governance, which the state administration remains dedicated to upholding.”
In response, Amitolu Shittu described the actions as barbaric and a blatant infringement of his human rights, suggesting a conspiracy among government officials against him.
“The Secretary to the State Government and some cohorts carried out the onslaught as alleged. The incident was premeditatedly carried out by Omoyele, with a target to permanently silence me from exposing some issues in the current administration.”
Shittu alleged that the raid was orchestrated by Governor Adeleke due to his straightforward actions.
“It is unfortunate that a government known for failure is still targeting people within the state. I have been waiting for this day. I am not surprised; I was expecting them last week, but they did not come.”
He mentioned being forewarned about the raid and notifying the relevant parties.
“Some vehicles were taken away, which I will challenge in court to provide the documents for such vehicles. I thank God they did not accuse me of stealing the vehicles. They did all the auditing and finances, but nothing was traced to me.”
Shittu called for agencies to note the actions against him and urged a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.