By Halimah Olamide
A former governorship aspirant in Osun Elder Peter Babalola has come under probe over alleged misappropriation of a sum of N200m belonging to the Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun.
Babalola who was also a Chief of Staff to former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, is a major political figure in Osun. He hails from Ikire, in Ayedade Local Government Area of the state.
Olawale Rasheed, spokesman to the governor, disclosed the probe plan in a statement on Tuesday. He said already, the panel to probe Babalola, who has been locked in verbal war with the Provost of the College, Prof Jimoh Afolabi, has been set up.
Members of the three-man panel are Mr Kazeem Akinloye, Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, Secretary to the State Government and Mr Oluwole Adedipo, Commissioner for Education.
“I have read various statements and allegations emanating from Ila-Orangun College of Education.
“I have also been briefed about the conflict between the school’s management and its governing council.
“The committee is hereby directed to call a meeting of both parties.
“It is to review all issues including alleged financial malpractices within the college system and propose a comprehensive accountability and transparency system.
“Let me warn that anybody implicated in any wrongdoing, financial mismanagement or corrupt conduct will face heavy sanctions.
“I announce that I will not shield anybody no matter how highly placed.
“The committee is expected to report its findings and recommendations to the governor within two weeks,’’ Rasheed quoted Adeleke as saying at the committee’s inauguration.