The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has sharply criticised the Osun State Government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, accusing it of reckless, unjustifiable, and wasteful use of public funds.
The rebuke comes after credible findings by Chronicles Reporters and The Guardian revealed that the state administration spent more than ₦115 million on fumigation and an astonishing ₦3.1 billion on foreign trips within just six months.
According to HEDA, these expenditures far exceeded the amounts allocated to essential sectors such as basic education, water supply, and environmental services.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group described the actions of the Adeleke-led government as a shameful mismanagement of public resources in a state where many residents still lack basic amenities.
“It is both morally and legally indefensible for any administration to prioritise frequent foreign travels and questionable fumigation projects over the welfare of its citizens. If such a pattern of extravagant spending continues unchecked, it will deepen the state’s economic troubles and further distance the people from governance,” Suraju warned.
HEDA also raised concerns over the government’s fiscal choices, calling for full transparency in how public funds are utilised.
The organisation demanded that Governor Adeleke publish a comprehensive breakdown of all foreign trips and fumigation contracts, including the names of the contractors involved and the justification for each expense.
Furthermore, the group urged the government to drastically reduce non-essential expenditure and channel resources into critical sectors such as education, healthcare, potable water, youth employment, and rural development.
“Governance should never be a platform for squandering public resources. Osun people deserve leaders who are transparent, prudent, and committed to delivering real development,” Suraju stated.
HEDA also appealed to the Osun State House of Assembly and civil society organisations to strengthen their oversight functions in order to safeguard public interest.
The group accused the state governor of failing to translate increased federal allocations into visible improvements in governance, instead engaging in frivolous spending and misappropriation of public funds. It reaffirmed its commitment to advancing transparency, accountability, and responsible governance across Nigeria.
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