Fraud: Senate Deputy Leader, Ashiru Denies Receiving ₦10 Billion

The Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, dismissed allegations that ₦10 billion meant for road construction was paid into his personal account, saying the government funds and implements projects through established budgetary procedures.

Naija News reports that Ashiru spoke on Saturday at the inauguration of a 48-shop market in Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The lawmaker, who outlined infrastructure interventions he said he had facilitated across Kwara South, described the allegation as misleading.

He explained that relevant ministries, departments and agencies were responsible for executing, supervising and monitoring projects approved through the budget.

“If indeed ₦10 billion had been paid into my personal account, as alleged, would the relevant government agencies, including the ICPC and EFCC, not have questions to ask.

“The appropriation acts are publicly available and provide a verifiable basis for determining the projects approved and the amounts allocated,” he said.

Ashiru said he had been advised that the allegation could amount to defamation but decided against litigation out of respect for traditional institutions.

“It is important to put the facts in the public domain and to ensure that the people are properly informed about projects executed across their communities,” he stated.

However, the senator did not provide a detailed breakdown of the disputed N10bn allocation or documentary evidence showing the funding and implementation status of the projects he mentioned.

The roads he listed included the 1.2-kilometre Owode Market–Onireke–Adeleke Road, Omolere–Ikolaba–Lanlu–Ajia–Popo Road, Tafa Joba Road, Afolabi–Adie Road, Bulala–Obada Road, and Imam Batara Road.

He also cited Tijani Akande Road in Ijagbo, a 2.6-kilometre section of the Ikotun–Offa Road and the Ojude Okeki–Rabah–Afin–Illaro Road in Omu-Aran.

He said other interventions included bridges in Ijagbo and Ikotun, a bridge at Oke-Daba in Oro-Ago District, and road and flood-control works in Asalofa–Obatiwajoye.

Ashiru said the list covered only part of the district’s infrastructure interventions, noting that some projects were ongoing while others were awaiting funding.

“These aforementioned projects represent only a selection of ongoing infrastructural projects and many projects underway that are yet to be funded, while new projects will also commence very soon,” he said.

The senator identified proposed road construction and rehabilitation works in the Akowe Elere and Navy Hospital areas of Offa, community roads in Ipee and Ijagbo, and Ayo Opadokun Crescent in Offa GRA among projects awaiting funding.

He also mentioned a link bridge to the expanded Kara cattle market in Irepodun, reconstruction of a culvert and bridge at Epe-Opin, and rehabilitation of the Aworo culvert at Oke-Daba.

Further proposals included township roads in Offa and Oyun; rural roads and drainage between the Summit University junction and Atari in Offa; and market facilities in Erin-Ile, Popo, Babanloma, and Owode.

On healthcare, Ashiru said he had supported annual medical outreaches and facilitated health centres in Epe-Opin, Kajola, Ilale, Durosoto, Offa and Oko.

He added that he had supplied medical equipment and drugs to primary healthcare facilities in Erin-Ile, Abogunugun, Arandun, Isanlu-Isin, Oke-Ibukun, Owu-Isin, Oke-Ode, Owode, Koro, Idofin-Igbana and Ilale.

The lawmaker also said solar power systems had been installed in the palaces of the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Aloffa of Illofa, Onira of Ira, Oniganmo of Ganmo and Owa L’obbo of Obbo-Ile.

According to him, each palace received a 10.2kVA system, eight 12-volt tubular batteries and 20 solar panels.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, said the market would accommodate 48 business owners and boost economic activities in the community.

“It will contribute significantly to the economy of any community that has such a project,” the monarch said. “This is a walk-up shop of 48 units, meaning it will contain 48 business owners in Oro Kingdom.”

He commended Ashiru for facilitating the market and monitoring its construction.

He said, “This is huge, and we are very grateful for it. We thank the senator for bringing this wonderful project to our kingdom.”

The monarch added that the facility had electricity, while fencing and interlocking were expected as further improvements.

Ashiru also restated his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged residents to assess the Peoples Democratic Party’s previous record in Kwara when making their political choices.

He stated, “The PDP is a political party, and people are free to make their political choices. But we must also remember history. The PDP is not new to Kwara. They have been here before.”

The senator maintained that political participation should translate into tangible benefits for communities.

He added, “Politics must ultimately be about development, empowerment, opportunities, infrastructure, and the wellbeing of the people. We will continue to be progressive, work for APC, and ensure that President Tinubu is not disgraced in Kwara State.”