Deputy Senate Leader, Lola Ashiru, has denied allegations that he personally received N10bn for road construction in Kwara State, saying public projects are funded and implemented through established government procedures.
Ashiru clarified on Saturday during the inauguration of a 48-shop modern market in Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
He described the allegation as misleading, urging the public to consult appropriation laws to verify approved projects and their budgetary allocations.
According to him, ministries, departments and agencies of government are responsible for executing, supervising and monitoring public infrastructure projects.
“If indeed N10bn 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 senator said.
He added that the appropriation acts were publicly accessible and provided a basis for checking the projects approved and the amounts allocated to them.
Ashiru said he had been advised that the allegation could amount to defamation but would not pursue legal action, citing respect for traditional institutions.
He, however, did not provide a detailed breakdown of the alleged N10bn allocation or documentary evidence establishing the funding and implementation status of the projects he highlighted.
The lawmaker listed several road projects he said he had facilitated across Kwara South Senatorial District, including the Owode Market–Onireke–Adeleke Road, Omolere–Ikolaba–Lanlu–Ajia–Popo Road, Tafa Joba Road, Afolabi–Adie Road and Bulala–Obada Road.
Other projects mentioned were the Ikotun–Offa Road, the Ojude Okeki–Rabah–Afin–Illaro Road in Omu-Aran, bridges in Ijagbo and Ikotun, and a bridge at Oke-Daba in the Oro-Ago District.
He said some of the projects were ongoing, while others were awaiting funding, adding that additional infrastructure interventions were expected to commence.
Among the proposed projects were rural road rehabilitation in Offa, community roads in Ipee and Ijagbo, drainage works, bridge and culvert reconstruction, and improvements to markets in Erin-Ile, Popo, Babanloma and Owode.
On healthcare, Ashiru said he had supported annual medical outreaches, facilitated the establishment of health centres in several communities and provided medical equipment and drugs to primary healthcare facilities across the senatorial district.
He also disclosed that solar inverter systems had been installed in the palaces of five traditional rulers in the district.
Speaking at the market inauguration, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, said the facility would accommodate 48 business owners and create economic opportunities for residents.
“It will contribute significantly to the economy of any community that has such a project,” the monarch said.
He commended Ashiru for facilitating the project and monitoring its execution, adding that electricity was available at the market, while fencing and interlocking were among the improvements expected to be completed.
The event also provided an opportunity for the senator to reaffirm his support for the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ashiru urged residents to assess political parties based on their records in the state, particularly their contributions to development and public welfare.
“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,” he said.
He added that governance should focus on infrastructure, empowerment, employment opportunities and the wellbeing of residents.
“We will continue to be progressive, work for APC, and ensure that President Tinubu is not disgraced in Kwara State,” the senator said.
