Quadri Yahya
Claim
A text message circulated on WhatsApp groups claiming that the former governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola diverted N100 million royal largesse from the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised Osun State Council of Obas in one of Tinubu’s campaign visits to the state.
Verdict
Misleading. No evidence that Tinubu promised the Osun State Council of Obas (or traditional rulers) the sum of N100 million; and Oyetola diverted any funds meant for traditional rulers in the state.
Full Text
A text message shared across WhatsApp groups has a claim that the ex-governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola diverted the sum of N100 million royal largesse APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised Osun State Council of Obas.
The error-filled long text referenced an unidentified source to back the claim that Tinubu and Oyetola “scammed” the traditional institution.
The message is titled: Breaking News: Gboyega Oyetola diverted #100 Million royal largesse meant for Osun State Council of Obas which Tinubu promised during campaign visitation!!!
FactCheckElections observed that the main message of the text circulating less than two weeks before the presidential poll was to dissuade voters in the state from voting for Tinubu in the forthcoming February 25th poll.
On February 2, 2023, Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima held a campaign at Freedom Park in Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State.
The former Lagos State Governor first met with the Council of traditional rulers in the state before kicking off the campaign.
The entourage was received by the former governor of Osun and chairman of the presidential campaign council in the state, Oyetola, state members of the APC PCC and other chieftains of the party in Osun.
Also at the rally were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); former governors Kayode Fayemi and Adegboyega Oyetola, as well as former APC Interim Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, APC National Women Leader, Betta Edu and other party leaders from National headquarters and South West party leaders.
Verification
Tinubu Media Office released a press statement about the campaign of the APC presidential candidate’s recent visit to the state.
FactCheckElections reviewed the statement published by Premium Times and found that no part of the statement signed by Tunde Rahman mentioned that Tinubu made any promise to the Osun State Council of Obas.
Reportage by TVC News, Osogbo shows the former Lagos State Governor speaking in Yoruba to the Council of traditional rulers in the state, where he promised to create jobs for the youths.
Furthermore, in state consultations that began as far back as 2022, the ex-governor visited the palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Tinubu was on a visit to the state to seek royal blessings, which Ogunwusi, Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran among others bestowed on him on his presidential ambition.
FactCheckElections noted that Tinubu did not make a monetary promise to the monarchs. Like during other visits, the APC flag bearer promised to explore the resources in the state and create jobs for the youths.
Conclusion
FactCheckElections can confirm that the claim circulating on WhatsApp groups that Oyetola diverted N100 million royal largesse the presidential candidate of APC promised Osun State Council of Obas is false. There is no evidence to back the claim.