Ex-Power Minister Penkele Under Fire Over Alleged ₦5,000 Mobilization Fee for Ibadan Declaration

By Seyifunmi Odunuga 

•⁠  ⁠Leaked audio exposes ward-by-ward cash distribution to swell crowd for Adelabu • Residents allegedly bag cash and Ankara fabrics to boost event optics

The political atmosphere in the Oyo State capital was charged with controversy on Monday following the emergence of a viral recording allegedly capturing the massive mobilization of residents for a political declaration involving the former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, popularly known as "Penkele."

In what appears to be a coordinated effort to project a show of force, the leaked audio from the scene caught eyewitnesses detailing a structured system of financial inducements aimed at securing a "rent-a-crowd" for the event. One speaker in the recording was heard explicitly stating that individuals joining the mobilization would be paid ₦5,000 each to ensure their attendance.

Investigation into the footage suggests the incentives were widespread across various local political divisions. To ensure a high-impact visual presence, the former Minister’s political machinery reportedly distributed Ankara fabrics across various wards to create a uniform and supportive appearance among the gathered crowd.

“It is the same Penkele that is giving people money,” one of the voices in the recording noted, as residents across multiple wards reportedly gathered to collect their share of the "stomach infrastructure" ahead of the declaration.

While political actors often provide logistics for supporters, the explicit nature of the cash-for-attendance discussions has sparked a heated debate over the authenticity of the "mass support" being projected as the 2027 political cycle approaches. As of the time of filing this report, the media office of Chief Adebayo Adelabu has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the ₦5,000 mobilization allegations.