Road Rage Erupts: Oyo Govt Slams Makinde's Snub at Major Project Launch
The Oyo State Government has voiced strong criticism over Governor Seyi Makinde's exclusion from the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road dualisation project flag-off. Describing it as a political move, the state commissioner for information highlighted the presence of other political figures and dismissed the explanation for Makinde's absence, linking the incident to future political ambitions.
The Oyo State Government has vehemently criticized the conspicuous exclusion of Governor Seyi Makinde from the recent flag-off ceremony for the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road dualisation project. The event, which took place on Monday in the Oluyole Local Government Area, has sparked a political controversy, according to the state authorities.
In an official statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Government unequivocally labeled the omission of its chief executive as a deliberate political maneuver. Oyelade stressed that an event ostensibly dedicated to crucial infrastructure development, such as road dualisation, should not be tainted by political machinations. Instead, he argued, the focus ought to remain strictly on the progress and benefits of the project for the citizens.
The flag-off ceremony, held at Idi Ayunre, saw prominent figures in attendance, including Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who served as the representative for President Bola Tinubu. Also present were the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, along with local political figures such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Sarafadeen Alli, and the revered Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Commissioner Oyelade firmly rejected the explanation offered for Governor Makinde's absence, which cited his being on leave. He pointed out the availability of Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who was fully authorized to act as governor, thereby rendering the excuse unconvincing. Oyelade expressed deep disappointment, stating, "The exclusion is unfortunate. The course of 2027 is set, and no level of indecorum or desperation from whatever quarters will hold back the will of the people." This statement clearly implied that the perceived snub was an early political gambit ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite the perceived slight, the commissioner conveyed that Governor Makinde remains unperturbed by the development. However, Makinde reportedly expressed regret that an occasion meant to celebrate significant road infrastructure had been regrettably transformed into what he characterized as a political gathering, thus distracting from its core purpose of development.