Nigerian music star Adebayo Adeleke, popularly known as B-Red, has publicly addressed the ongoing discourse surrounding his father's administration, specifically the controversial plan to build an airport in Osun State. The singer, who is a cousin to Afrobeats superstar Davido, made these clarifications during a recent live streaming session with content creator Carter Efe.
Defending the Adeleke Family's Vision for Osun
During the interactive session, B-Red took the opportunity to shed light on the project spearheaded by his father, Governor Ademola Adeleke. He revealed that the core objective of constructing Osun State’s first airport is to alleviate the travel burden on the state's residents. According to him, the facility will eliminate the need for people to undertake long journeys to Lagos or other states just to access air travel.
"My father, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is building Osun State’s first airport so people won’t have to travel to Lagos just to fly," B-Red stated emphatically during the live chat.
He went further to assert that the motivation behind his family's involvement in politics is genuine development, not financial gain. To bolster this claim, the artiste pointed to his own modest security detail as evidence of the family's frugality and focus on service.
"Two Cars, Not Twenty": B-Red's Personal Example
In a direct rebuttal to allegations of corruption often levelled against political families, B-Red offered a personal anecdote. He disclosed that the convoy that transported him to the event comprised only two vehicles, a number he implied was modest for someone of his status as the governor's son.
"We’re not taking from the people, we’re helping them," he declared. "The convoy that brought me here had just two cars. If we were embezzling money, I’d be moving with 20 cars by now."
This statement was clearly intended to counter public perception and paint a picture of a prudent administration focused on resource management for public good.
Background and Public Reaction to the Airport Project
The airport project has not been without its controversies. In 2024, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, had advised Governor Adeleke to postpone the foundation-laying ceremony for the state's proposed international airport. This advice came amidst debates over the relocation of the project from its initially proposed site.
The governor's administration had explained that the original location at Ido-Osun, which housed the MKO Abiola International Airport, was unsuitable for a full-scale airport. Consequently, the project was moved to Ede, which happens to be Governor Adeleke's hometown, a decision that further fueled public discourse.
Unsurprisingly, B-Red's comments during the Carter Efe live stream ignited a fresh wave of reactions on social media platforms. Many netizens expressed skepticism and humor in response to his claims.
One user, tunmishe_, quipped: "20 cars as per President or what exactly? LMAOOO." Another, Vandacech, commented critically: "Dull people. Ibadan Airport nko? These Governors understand the exclusive list until it involves Airports. The Airport in Osun is for their private jets.."
A user named Behrani offered a more cynical take: "Politicians sef Dey teach their children how to deceive peasants, wonders shall never end lmao." Meanwhile, onespottedout questioned the premise of "helping": "Your papa no dey collect allocation, salary and other benefits and allowances? Helping people as if na charity work."
The mixed reactions highlight the deep-seated public scrutiny that accompanies major infrastructure projects, especially when linked to the families of those in power. B-Red's attempt to offer a personal defense has opened a new chapter in the ongoing conversation about governance, transparency, and public trust in Osun State.
