In a sharp rejoinder, Sola Abegunde, writing from Eruwa, has meticulously critiqued an opinion piece by Gbenga Akanni, who purportedly defended Governor Makinde. Abegunde expresses amusement and concern over what he perceives as a display of ignorance and sycophancy, arguing that Akanni’s defense inadvertently exposes the governor’s vulnerabilities. The crux of Abegunde’s counter-argument centers on his previous piece, titled ‘Eleruwa: So, Governor Makinde Could Be Ashamed Of His Failures?’, which Akanni seemingly took issue with for suggesting the governor should feel shame.

Abegunde challenges Akanni’s assertion that Governor Makinde’s apology for failing to complete the 48-kilometer Ido-Eruwa road rehabilitation within six years, despite numerous promises, is worthy of praise. To Abegunde, such an apology is not a commendable gesture but a clear admission of failure. He highlights that in six years of Makinde’s administration, no project has been commissioned in Eruwa, and road rehabilitation contracts awarded in the area have consistently been abandoned. He further points out that the governor’s flag-off of the Ido-Eruwa road in 2023, with a promise of completion by December of that year, was disingenuous, as only 12 out of the 48 kilometers were initially awarded. This lack of straightforwardness and repeated unkept promises, Abegunde argues, are clear reasons for the governor to be ashamed.

The criticism extends to the handling of the Eruwa Farm Settlement, where Abegunde asserts the governor proceeded with a handover ceremony despite knowing that documentation was incomplete. This further exemplifies a pattern of actions lacking thoroughness and transparency. Abegunde also draws parallels to the tragic Igangan incident, where Governor Makinde was notably absent during attacks by suspected Fulani herders, only to offer an apology after significant loss of life. Abegunde posits that proactive leadership, rather than belated apologies for avoidable damages, is what truly defines effective governance.

A significant portion of Abegunde’s critique addresses the chieftaincy dispute concerning Samuel Adebayo Adegbola and the Eleruwa of Eruwa throne. Abegunde, a native of Eruwa with extensive familiarity with the case, challenges Akanni’s “misinformed opinion.” He references certified true copies of all judgments, including the 1957 Eleruwa of Eruwa Chieftaincy Declaration, which mandates a rotational occupancy between the Akalako and Olaribikusi Ruling Houses. He underscores the 2019 Supreme Court ruling affirming the Olaribikusi Ruling House’s turn and directing the selection from three specific princes, explicitly excluding Samuel Adebayo Adegbola as an “interloper.” Abegunde views Akanni’s defense of Adegbola and his reference to the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government Autonomy as indicative of sycophancy and mediocrity, especially given that the conflicts surrounding Adegbola’s “illegal selection” by Makinde are still sub judice.

Finally, Abegunde dismisses claims of progress, such as the Sierra Leonean President’s purported visit to study the Fashola Farm Settlement, as mere window dressing. He challenges the notion of an “El Dorado” by highlighting Oyo State’s continued heavy reliance on Northern Nigeria for essential food supplies like peppers, tomatoes, onions, beans, maize, and yams. He points out the vulnerability this creates, citing instances where disruptions in supply routes lead to scarcity and higher prices in Oyo State, despite its more arable land compared to northern states. Abegunde concludes by reminding readers that Governor Makinde himself called for accountability, a demand that, he argues, “lickspittles” like Gbenga Akanni actively undermine, preventing genuine scrutiny of the administration’s performance.