Punch Newspaper has apologized to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for publishing a misleading story about a $20 million theft. The newspaper admitted that its report was incorrect and clarified that Oyetola was not accused of stealing.
In its Monday publication, Punch stated:
“In our Saturday edition of March 8, 2024, we published a story with the headline, ‘Adeleke petitions EFCC, alleges ex-gov Oyetola stole $20m, N1.5bn.’ We have since discovered that Oyetola was not accused of stealing. The petition actually alleged misappropriation and money laundering during his administration. We regret the error.”
Last weekend, many media outlets reported claims from the Osun State Government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, suggesting that Oyetola’s administration stole a $20 million World Bank grant. However, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed these claims as false and politically motivated.
The APC in Osun State responded strongly, calling the allegations “a tissue of lies” meant to damage Oyetola’s reputation. The party argued that the World Bank funds were used properly to improve healthcare and that all contracts followed the law.
During a press conference on Sunday, the APC challenged the Adeleke government to provide evidence to back its claims. The party also accused Adeleke’s administration of corruption, alleging that:
- Two companies linked to the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Akinyode Oyewusi, were awarded contracts worth over N10 billion.
- The Chief of Staff to Governor Adeleke, Kazeem Akinleye, allegedly used his influence to secure a multi-billion naira project at Osun State University.
- Governor Adeleke’s elder brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke, allegedly received borehole contracts at an inflated rate of N14 million per borehole, and many of these projects were not completed.
Although Punch has retracted its report and apologized, it is unclear if other newspapers that carried the same false story have done the same.
The controversy highlights the dangers of misinformation in politics and the need for accurate reporting.
