Power Minister Denies Building Mansion After Appointment, Says Project Preceded Office

• Minister Adelabu clarified mansion construction completed August 2023, before his September appointment, refuting corruption claims in viral video

• He described the report as malicious, providing documents proving long-term investments and threatening legal action against Sahara Reporters

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed claims that he built a luxury mansion within two years of assuming office.

A viral video had alleged that Adelabu’s lavish lifestyle was funded by corrupt means, linking it to a new mansion supposedly completed during his ministerial tenure.

However, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Femi Awogboro, the minister described the report as false, malicious, and intended to damage his reputation.

Adelabu explained that the construction began in November 2021 and was completed in August 2023, a month before his appointment in September 2023. He supported this with dated construction photos, building approvals, and related documents.

The minister, a known investor in real estate, agriculture, and hospitality, said he has had visible projects in Ibadan and beyond for years. He added that he had only moved into the redeveloped property this year due to work schedules.

He clarified that the house is a reconstruction of his former residence, which he originally built and unveiled in 2010 while working in banking and finance. The redevelopment, he said, was necessary to meet the demands of his political engagements.

Adelabu stressed his long-standing contributions to job creation through investments and accused Sahara Reporters of trying to discredit both him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He demanded that the outlet retract its publication or face possible legal action.