The Oyo State Government has criticised the exclusion of Governor Seyi Makinde from the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction and dualisation of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road held in the state on Monday.
The state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, expressed the government’s displeasure in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan.
Oyelade said the ceremony, held at Idi Ayunre in Oluyole Local Government Area, was attended by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, All Progressives Congress governorship candidate Sarafadeen Alli and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
He, however, alleged that the event was overshadowed by political considerations, describing the exclusion of Makinde as unnecessary.
“The ceremony which took place at Idi Ayunre and was attended by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; the APC gubernatorial candidate, Sarafadeen Alli; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, fell short of its edifying billing because of the desperate political undertone borne out of a lack of sagacity and confidence,” Oyelade said.
The commissioner also rejected the explanation that Makinde was not invited because he was on leave, noting that an Acting Governor was in place to administer the state during his absence.
“The excuse that the invitation was not extended to Governor Makinde because he was on leave makes the case even more ridiculous because there is a functional Acting Governor on the ground,” he said.
Oyelade said Makinde remained focused and was not distracted by the development, but regretted that an infrastructure project of importance to residents had allegedly been turned into a political event.
“Governor Makinde is unperturbed and regrets that the event was reduced to a political jamboree,” he said.
The commissioner added that the state government remained confident about the political future ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The course of 2027 is set, and no level of indecorum or desperation from whatever quarters will hold back the will of the people,” he said.
