Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State has denied reports that he broke any law as a political office holder in response to the Pandora Paper reports.
Pandora Papers as part of its investigation involving over 600 journalists and over 100 media organisations have exposed the financial dealings in former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta, the image-maker of Russian President Vladimir Putin and many others
The investigation also uncovered financial secrets, including those of politicians, former and serving public officials, including Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, former PDP Vice-presidential candidate, Peter Obi, APC chieftain, Senator Stella Oduah, among others.
In a recent report released by Premium Times, the Pandora Paper claimed that the Uk mansion where Bola Ahmed Tinubu had hosted President Muhammadu Buhari and other individuals was previously owned by an international fugitive who later sold it at a huge discount to an offshore company owned by the Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, a relative of Tinubu.
The report accused Governor Oyetola of acquiring the UK mansion in 2017 by proxy while he was the Chief of Staff to then-governor, Rauf Ogbeni Aregbesola.
Reacting in a statement on Saturday through his media aide, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola stated that he has resigned his directorship of Aranda Overseas Corporation since 2011 when he was appointed Chief of Staff.
The statement reads, “We have seen reports in some online media platforms concerning the PANDORA PAPERS’ allegations. This is, therefore, to set the record straight.
“Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Governor of Osun State, resigned his directorship of Aranda Overseas Corporation in 2011, when he took up political appointment. He also surrendered his shareholding of the same company.
“Since 2011 till date, he has had no association, dealings and business transactions with the said company, as he is neither a director nor shareholder of the said company.
“He, therefore, could not have acquired the said property in 2017 either directly or through the said company as being alleged.
“As a matter of fact, Oyetola has no relationship or link with the alleged owner of the property, Mr Kolawole Aluko, let alone go into a business dealing or transaction with him.
“He also complied fully with the law of the land by exiting Global Investments Offshore Limited, as a Director in 2011, upon his appointment as the Chief of Staff.
“While we appreciate family members, friends, associates and well-wishers for their show of concern over the development, we assure them that there is nothing to worry about. Mr. Oyetola has always shown that he is a man who knows and respects the law in his corporate and political endeavors.
“The God that has brought us thus far will never forsake us”.
This article was originally published on Naija News