…Says property was completed before ministerial appointment
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has denied allegations by Sahara Reporters that he built a lavish mansion within two years of becoming minister, despite rising electricity tariffs.
In a viral video, the platform alleged that Adelabu funded the construction through corrupt means. But in a statement signed by his media aide, Femi Awogboro, Adelabu described the claims as “false, mischievous, and aimed at tarnishing my image.”
According to him, the building project started in November 2021 and was completed in August 2023 — a month before his appointment as Minister of Power in September 2023. He provided dated photos, building approvals, and correspondence to back up his claim.
Adelabu said he has been a long-time investor in real estate, agriculture, and hospitality, with several projects in Ibadan and beyond. He explained that he only moved into the redeveloped property this year due to work schedules, and that it replaced an earlier structure he built in 2010 while working in the banking sector.
The minister linked the renewed attention to a viral video of him hosting Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma after the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election campaign flag-off.
“My investments have created jobs and contributed to the economy. This baseless report is an attempt to discredit me and undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” he said.
Adelabu demanded an immediate retraction from Sahara Reporters and warned that failure to comply could lead to legal action.
