Oyo Govt Accuses FG of Politicising Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road Flag-Off

The Oyo State Government has accused the Federal Government of deliberately excluding Governor Seyi Makinde from Monday’s flag-off of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation project, describing the move as political.

The ceremony was held at Idi Ayunre in Oluyole Local Government Area. The N296 billion project covers 56.5 kilometres, linking Ibadan with Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

Oyo govt questions Makinde's absence

Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade said the exclusion was difficult to separate from the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections.

He argued that the road project should have been treated primarily as an infrastructure milestone rather than a political event.

The ceremony was attended by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who represented President Bola Tinubu, as well as Works Minister Dave Umahi, Oyo APC governorship candidate Sarafadeen Alli and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Oyelade also rejected the explanation that Makinde was not invited because he was on leave. He noted that Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal was serving as Acting Governor and could have represented the state at the event.

Makinde says he remains unperturbed

The commissioner said Makinde was not personally troubled by the exclusion but regretted that the road project had been turned into what he described as a political gathering.

Oyelade linked the development to the approaching 2027 elections, saying, “The course of 2027 is set, and no level of indecorum or desperation from whatever quarters will hold back the will of the people.”

Despite the dispute, the Oyo government welcomed the commencement of the road project, which is expected to improve movement between Oyo and Ogun states and strengthen connections across the South-West.