Oyo State stands at a poignant juncture – the crossroads of progress and memory. As the pulsating heart of Yoruba culture and a cradle of Nigerian heritage, it is thrust toward industrial modernity. Skyscrapers rise, tech firms emerge—but amid this transformation, we must ask: can progress truly endure without memory? The answer lies in Oyo’s monumental architecture—silent sentinels that bear witness to a rich history of governance, culture, resistance, and faith. They form the cultural DNA that lends identity and soul to a people, a powerful defense against a homogenised global narrative.

Among the most significant of these is a structure that symbolises the very heart of Western Nigeria’s political legacy: Agodi Government House in Ibadan.

A Living Chronicle: The Families of Government House Agodi

Perched on the gentle Ibadan hills, Agodi Government House is more than a canvas of history; it is a home that has absorbed the laughter, fears, and ambitions of the families who lived within its walls. Its story is best told through the unbroken chain of its residents – father, mother, children, friends, mentors and colleagues of ours – whose lives shaped its character.

The dawn of its era began under the Union Jack with its last British Governor, Sir John Dalzell Rankine (1902–1987). From 1954 to 1960, he and his wife, Lady Peta Rankine, presided over a quintessential colonial residence. Their hosting of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1956 was the house’s global debut, an event of meticulous, formal grandeur. The atmosphere changed profoundly when the revered Ooni of Ife, Kabiyesi Sir Adesoji Aderemi (1889–1980), became Governor from 1960 to 1962. With his senior wife, Olori Abiona, Agodi transformed into a unique palace where his children, including educated and accomplished princesses, were often present at receptions, embodying a new, modern royalty. He was succeeded by Chief Joseph Odeleye Fadahunsi (1901–1986), who from 1962 to 1966 resided there during the First Republic’s political crisis. While he held intense negotiations, his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Adetoun Fadahunsi, ensured the dignity of the residence was maintained amidst the turmoil.

The violent military coup of 1966 brought the house its most tragic chapter. For six months, Lt. Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi (1926–1966) governed, but on July 29th, his famous act of loyalty—refusing to surrender his guest, Head of State General Aguiyi-Ironsi—cost him his life. This singular act left his wife, Eunice Adejoke Fajuyi, to raise their children, including their son Donald Olutayo Fajuyi, who has worked tirelessly to keep his father’s legacy of courage alive.

In the aftermath, General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo (1928–2017) took residence from 1966 to 1971. While his wife, Mrs. Modupe Adebayo, played a more private role, the house was filled with the energy of his many successful children, including a young Niyi Adebayo, who would later become Governor of Ekiti State. He was followed by Brigadier Christopher Oluwole Rotimi (1935–Present), an academic soldier who, from 1971 to 1975, used his study for meticulous policy planning. His wife, Mrs. Filicia Olusola Rotimi, created a gracious home where their children, including Enitan and Funke, were raised with a strong emphasis on education. The brief, month-long tenure of Commodore Akintunde Aduwo (1938–Present) in 1975 saw his wife, Mrs. Roseline Aduwo, and their young children experience a whirlwind transition as Agodi briefly became a naval command post on land.

With the creation of Oyo State, Major General David Jemibewon (1940–2023), from 1976 to 1978, used the conference room as the state’s drawing board, while his wife, Mrs. Comfort Olu-Jemibewon, created a stable home for their children within the formal military environment. I would later take residence at one of General’s homes in Are Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan, where the insignia from his military discipline is still evident even till today. The transition back to democracy was overseen by Major General Paul Tarfa (1941–Present) from 1978 to 1979; he and his wife, Mrs. Alheri Tarfa, hosted aspiring politicians, making the house a neutral ground for the handover.

This ushered in the vibrant intellectualism of Chief Bola Ige (1930–2001). From 1979 to 1983, the private living room of Agodi became a salon where he and his wife, the formidable Justice Atinuke Ige (1932–2003), debated policy. For their children, Funso Adegbola and Muyiwa Ige (a renown architect and former Commissioner in Osun state), Agodi was home. They hosted friends, and the grounds echoed with their youthful energy, providing a unique upbringing where national affairs were daily conversation. Funso, affectionately known as ‘Aunty Funso Adegbola’ to many, would later channel this background of excellence into founding the renowned Vale College in Ibadan and mentoring other young people. I recall her calm presence and valuable counsel whilst I was the 54th President of the All Nigeria United Nations Students and Youth Association (ANUNSA), an organization that her father His Excellency Bola Ige had founded and was himself the first president.

That era was followed, first by the brilliant mathematician Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo (1935– 2025), whose intense 90-day residency in late 1983, with his erudite wife Mrs. Ronke Olunloyo as hostess, turned the house into a hub for academics. This was ended by the military’s return, which brought a new ethos. Major General Oladayo Popoola (1944–Present) (1984-1985) brought a spartan discipline. I had the singular privilege to serve with His Excellency Oladayo Popoola on the Committee of Oyo State and Osun State that secured the return of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso (LAUTECH) to the sole ownership of Oyo State. I could then see why my class mate in the International School Ibadan (ISI), Folashade (nee popoola) was such a gentle and calm soul. This was followed by General Adetunji Olurin (1944–2021) from 1985 to 1988. His elegant wife, Mrs. Kehinde Olurin, was a gracious hostess who brought warmth and dignity to the residence, balancing the strict military environment with a welcoming home for their children, including their son, Babatunde. Interestingly, I had the privilege of serving with Her Excellency, aunty Kehinde Olurin in the choir of the Victoria Fellowship Church (VFC) several years ago in Lekki, Lagos.

The subsequent military years saw leaders like the devout Colonel Sasaenia Oresanya (Deceased) (1988-1990), a devout Christian, who was known to organize regular prayer meetings within the residence. These were not typically large, public spectacles but intimate gatherings of fellow believers, including staff and key officials. The main lounge or a private chapel space within the house would be used for these moments of worship, infusing the seat of military power with an atmosphere of quiet, spiritual reflection. This practice was a personal hallmark, shaping the internal culture of his administration. It was on that fateful Sunday, that I caught my first glimpse of the interior walls of the Government House Agodi and its chapel, where my father, Professor (Deacon) Gideon Olajiire Adeoye had officiated on one of such services, whilst serving at Oritamefa Baptist Church just down the road.

There was the turn of the no-nonsense Major General Abdulkareem Adisa (1948–2005) (1990-1992) to reside at Agodi. A brief democratic interlude from 1992 to 1993 saw Chief Kolapo Olawuyi Ishola (1934–2011) and his wife, Alhaja Salimot Ishola, use the house for quiet consensus-building. The final stretch of military administrators, from Navy Captain Adetoye Sode (Deceased) (1993-1994) to Colonel Chinyere Ike Nwosu and his wife Chinyere who were an epitome of compassion. We may recall how this first family as a fountain of humanity took an interest in the case of Bose, who had the “nail-in-the-head” and how this first family ensured that this victim of horrific abuse received full medical rehabilitation and was adopted into their family at the Government House in Agodi. This was however little surprise, as Mrs. Chinyere Nwosu had previously founded the Abia Less Privileged Organization (ALPO), helping women secure accommodation and gain valuable skills whilst they served prior in the Government House in Abia State in 1993.

Colonel Ahmed Usman took over from 1996 – 1998 as military Administrator and his beloved wife Mrs. Fatima Usman who was Chairperson of the Family Support Programme (FSP) in Oyo State made Agodi reverberate with activities and events that were focused on health, women empowerment and child welfare.
This was followed by AIG Amen Edore Oyakhire (Rtd.) (1945–Present) (1998-1999), and his wife Dr. Suzzie Oyakhire, who holds a PhD in Law and is a qualified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria brought the era to a close, with Oyakhire and his wife hosting a symbolic farewell dinner in the banquet hall. Today, she is a Senior Lecturer in Law at Leeds Beckett University in the UK, specializing in criminal law, justice reform, and international trade law. Her legal background and intellectual prowess made her a distinct and respected “First Lady” in Oyo State, actively engaging with the community on various issues during the critical transition period to civilian rule.

The dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999 ushered in a new era of visible First Ladies. The respected activist Alhaji Lam Adesina (1939–2012) (1999-2003) and his wife, Alhaja Sarat Adesina, made Agodi the “people’s house,” with their son, Adedapo Lam-Adesina, absorbing the political lessons that would lead him to the House of Representatives. The residence became a political battleground for Senator Rashidi Ladoja (1944–Present) (2003-2007), supported by his very influential wife, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, a powerful advocate for women in her own right, whose son is my dear brother and friend – also leading at the nexus of public private partnership for Oyo state industrial future. It then became a centre of populist politics under Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala (1950–2022) (2007-2011); his wife, Mrs. Kemi Alao-Akala, was a highly active partner, often using the grounds for lively public events. This was followed by the formal, corporate atmosphere of Senator Abiola Ajimobi (1949–2020) (2011-2019). His wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, became one of the state’s most influential First Ladies, championing health causes while their children, like Abisola Kola-Daisi a kind lively soul now sadly deceased, became well-known public figures.

The character of the Government House often reflects the personal convictions of its occupant and the current occupant, His Excellency Engineer Oluseyi Makinde (1967–Present) who has been serving from 2019-Present, and his wife, Engr (Mrs). Tamunominini Makinde, have brought a new vista of life, filling the grounds with youthful joy and endless possibilities of a brilliant future. The family have made a very public and festive use of the residence. Since 2019, he has famously hosted an annual Christmas “Festival of Lights”. The entire frontage of the Government House and the surrounding grounds are adorned with spectacular, elaborate light decorations, turning it into a dazzling public attraction throughout December. The climax is a widely televised Christmas Carol service held on the grounds, attended by thousands of citizens, religious leaders, and dignitaries. This event transforms the historically imposing and exclusive residence into a shared public space for a season, a deliberate act of inclusive, populist governance and has, in his characteristic visionary manner recently made significant financial provision to remodel and renovate Agodi Government House for service into the next century of Oyo state’s industrial future.

The Architecture of Power: Understanding the Agodi Estate

To truly grasp the scale of governance, one must understand the estate itself – the exact acreage is a closely guarded secret. The Agodi Government House is a sprawling, self-contained world, a vast expanse of prime, fortified land nestled in the high-security Government Reserve Area (GRA). The compound itself contains multiple distinct structures: the Main Residence for the First Family; the Executive Wing with the Governor’s Office and situation rooms; a grand Banquet Hall; private Guest Chalets for dignitaries; and recreational facilities, including a famous tennis court. The vast forecourt is a theatre of state, evolving from a military parade ground into a public space for community events, from the flag-off for Hajj pilgrims to the dazzling Christmas “Festival of Lights.”

Fusing Heritage and Industrial Growth

Oyo has an opportunity—the chance to redefine development. By integrating its monumental heritage into future growth, industrialisation becomes richer and more rooted. Agodi can become a hybrid hub: renovated, modernised, yet open and accessible. Gardens can transform into eco-educational zones within emerging neighbourhoods. Cocoa House can be repurposed as an agri-tech incubator, drawing investors while celebrating cocoa’s heritage. And Old Oyo’s ruins can become centres of archaeological tourism.

Such a fusion not only safeguards cultural identity—it fuels economic vibrancy. Heritage tourism, creative industries, and community stewardship become natural allies of industrial progress.

Actionable Steps for Oyo State Citizens

To shape this future, civic engagement is crucial. Here are ways you can contribute:

Join or Form Heritage Coalitions – Engage local groups like “Friends of Agodi Government House” to monitor redevelopment and advocate for heritage-sensitive planning.
Engage Government Transparently – Attend public hearings on Agodi reconstruction or Gardens development. Request access to project documents, budgets, and environmental impact assessments.
Launch Heritage Tourism Ventures – Propose guided tours of Agodi Government House, Cocoa House, Old Oyo, and Gardens. Partner with schools, tour operators, and history societies.
Support Eco-Friendly Planning – Volunteer for reforestation, invasive species control, and ecological restoration around Agodi and adjacent forests.
Teach and Share Our Story – Write, photograph, or digitally document heritage sites—use social media to narrate their history and value.
Hold Leaders Accountable – Vote for politicians committed to sustainable development and culture-led growth, monitor spending, and continue to advocate for transparency
Partner with the Private Sector – Pitch proposals to developers or philanthropists for public–private partnerships that fund garden restoration or heritage museum creation.

Oyo’s story is embodied in its monuments, from the political history of the Government House Agodi to its economic might and ancient grandeur. Industrialisation must be a dialogue between steel and soul, brick and memory. By integrating this rich heritage into its growth, Oyo State can model a new paradigm where modernization and monumentality march hand in hand, ensuring that its prosperity is grounded in authenticity, anchored in values, and lifted by legacy. At the end of the day, it is a human story and we are all playing our part, whilst passing through time.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye

In a momentous turn of events, Amofin Beulah Adeoye’s gubernatorial ambition received a boost as People’s Democratic Party, PDP stakeholders in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State declared support for the legal icon.

The Chairman, PDP in Itesiwaju LG, Hon. Ganiyu Owolabi at the party’s meeting endorsed gubernatorial ambition of Amofin Adeoye. He called for massive mobilization among stakeholders in the LG.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye, hails from Ipapo, a significant town in Itesiwaju Local Government has been encouraged by stakeholders from the LG to throw his hat into the ring for highest political office in the State.

While briefing the stakeholders, Hon. Ganiyu Owolabi admonished everyone present to reawake all grassroots structure, mobilize support for Amofin Adeoye, and intensify engagement with party members. He noted that all hands must be on deck to rally-round support for Amofin Adeoye’s gubernatorial aspiration.

While responding, Hon. Ayandele Hosea from Igbojaye appreciated the ingenuity of the stakeholders to convene the meeting, intended to rally support for a proven son of the soil with track records of excellence.

Similarly, Hon. Hassan Ogundoke, A former member of the State House Assembly, appealed to all stakeholders in the Council to mobilise wholeheartedly for Amofin Adeoye’s gubernatorial bid. He called on party members not to leave any stone unturned in advocating for Amofin Adeoye’s gubernatorial ambition.

Also, Hon. Idowu Azeez, a former chairman , Itesiwaju LGA, and Hon. Bolaji Olalekan, a former Local Government Secretary implored all stakeholders to see the project as their personal project and take responsibility to position Amofin Adeoye as the qualified and competent aspirant.

Present at the meeting were; the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ojo Monsuru, LG Vice Chairman , Hon. Ayangbade Peter, Local Government Secretary, Hon. Sefiu Alade, and the Leader of the Local Government Legislative Council Hon. Soliu Mutairu.

Hon. Wale Ogunlade, Hon. John Oyetoro, Hon. Fabiyi Folashade, Hon. E.T Akinleye and a host of others were present.

The party leaders, stakeholders and party members in Itesiwaju LGA unanimously pass a vote of confidence in the leadership of the party at the state level under its Chairman, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro and good governance of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Hon. Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu’s renewed Gubernatorial aspiration receives a boost yesterday as he secured unanimous endorsement and green lights from prominent Oyo APC House of Reps Members for 2027 Governorship Bid.

The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, on Wednesday evening hosted a strategic meeting with members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State in his office in Abuja. The meeting, which was held in a cordial and forward-looking atmosphere, forms part of the Minister’s ongoing consultation process ahead of his anticipated gubernatorial run in Oyo State come 2027. Six out of eight Law makers were present while apology message of another member who is presently out of the country was delivered at the meeting.

During the engagement, Chief Adelabu formally intimated the lawmakers of his intention to contest the governorship seat under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking their support and partnership in what he described as a “collective mission to reposition Oyo State for greater prosperity.”

In response, all the House of Representatives members present at the meeting unanimously pledged their full support and endorsement for Chief Adelabu’s aspiration. They described his ambition as not only timely but also the most viable path to reclaiming Oyo State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections.

The lawmakers commended the Honourable Minister for his courage, focus, and sustained performance in what they acknowledged to be one of the most challenging sectors of governance — the Ministry of Power. Despite the complexity of the sector, they noted that Chief Adelabu has brought a new level of energy, innovation, and visibility to the ministry, earning him widespread recognition both within and outside the government.

In the spirit of unity and victory, the lawmakers also made a passionate appeal for a sincere and all-inclusive reconciliation process among all APC stakeholders and political gladiators in Oyo State. They stressed that unity within the party is non-negotiable if the APC is to mount a successful challenge and reclaim the state in 2027.

Chief Adelabu, in his remarks, expressed deep appreciation for the solidarity and encouragement shown by the lawmakers, assuring them of his commitment to a people-oriented leadership style rooted in performance, integrity, and inclusion. He also echoed their call for reconciliation, noting that healing internal divisions and building a strong, united APC family in Oyo State would remain a top priority in the months ahead.

The meeting ended on a note of shared optimism, with both the Minister and the lawmakers agreeing to maintain close collaboration as preparations for the 2027 electoral season gather momentum.

Present at the meeting were Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun, representing Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi representing Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio and Atiba Federal Constituency, Hon. Akin Alabi representing Egbeda and Ona Ara Federal Constituency, Hon. Lafioye Wasiu Adefisoye representing Lagelu and Akinyele Federal Constituency, Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala representing Ogbomosho South, North and Oriire Federal Constituency, Hon. Lateef Olaide Muhammed representing Irepo, Ogo Oluwa and Orelope Federal Constituency. The only Female Federal Honourable, Hon. Tolu Shadipe representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, who is presently out of the country sent her apology. Also at the meeting were two reverred party leaders, Senator Ayo Adeseun and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle.

The Minister confirmed after the meeting that his consultations train continues this weekend to Ogbomosho and Oyo political zones, where he would be meeting key party leaders and other major stakeholders.

During the coronation of Oba Adebayo Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa at the Eruwa Township Stadium last Saturday, the Oyo State governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, did something all great leaders and statesmen do: he apologized for a shortcoming.

Instead of papering over the cracks, Governor, Makinde apologised to the people of Eruwa and Ibarapaland over the delay being experienced in the completion of a 48-kilometre Eleyele-Eruwa road awarded months ago. He then gave a completion timeline of 11 months. And the people roared in applause, knowing that their governor is a man of integrity.

As the governor said on the occasion: “One good thing about this administration is that our project can be delayed, but definitely not abandoned. This administration has completed all the projects that the past governments abandoned.”
Predictably, though, this beautiful moment gave a notorious blackmailer, Sola Abegunde, yet another opportunity to mount his high horse of arrogance and Makinde bashing.

In a piece—actually a pile of garbage–titled “So, Governor Makinde could be ashamed of his failures?”, he poured endless invectives on the Oyo State governor, calling him every negative name under the sun. He accused the governor of enthroning “Samuel Adebayo Adegbola as the Eleruwa of Eruwa in disregard of the judgments of the Oyo State High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme court of Nigeria,” then launched into his usual tirade on Makinde’s performance.

He said he had “warned the Governor that his coming to Eruwa would be tamtam to a celebration of shamelessness but he ignored my warning.” Let us ignore “tamtam to a celebration of shamelessness” for now, because good grammar isn’t Abegunde’s forte.

First off, just how is it a failure on the part of Governor Makinde to tender an apology where one was evidently due? Does that act of courage and forthrightness make him less of a governor? Was he supposed to have threatened the people he apparently holds in high esteem instead of apologizing to them? Some people write before they think. And then, what was that nonsense about Makinde overruling the Supreme Court? Oba Adegbola, one of the candidates from the Olurin Ruling Family of Akalako Ruling House following the commencement of another selection process by the state government in 2024, was unanimously selected by the kingmakers among 18 candidates and appointed the new Eleruwa of Eruwa by the Oyo State Government on March 16, 2025.

The background: the apex court had unseated him after 21 years on the throne, ordering a new process that would see the Olaribikusi ruling family producing another Eleruwa. The Oyo State Government complied with the judgment and asked the family to provide a candidate, but the family sadly failed to do so even after the expiration of the timeline provided by law. The kingmakers then asked the next ruling house to produce a candidate, and it did.

They then unanimously endorsed that candidate, namely Adegbola, to which Governor Makinde consented, as provided by law. It was a simple case of a ruling house sleeping on its rights, the way the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State waived its rights by failing to challenge a suit filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP) over the state’s LG elections for two years, thus leading to the sack of APC chairmen and councilors by the Court of Appeal. But Abegunde could not help feeding his readers with the trademark half-truths and barefaced lies. Does he expect Eruwa to be permanently detained by the indecision of a ruling house, without leadership and without direction like his reprobate mind?

Abegunde’s grouse is not hard to decipher, though. There is peace and calm in Oyo State, in spite of his ceaseless vituperations and incitements to violence against the person and office of the Oyo State governor. Day in, day out, this fellow pours invectives on the governor, showing his dark, unhinged mind. Falsifying figures, conjuring nonexistent data, seeking to create chaos and disaffection as a master insurrectionist, this perpetual naysayer and implacable enemy of progress condemns every project that Makinde executes in the state he claims to love. Arguing with agbero candour, Abegunde has written tones of essays that portray him as a person completely lacking in civility and without home training (proper upbringing); a man with a purchasable conscience.

He constantly insults the sensibilities of Oyo people, who rewarded Makinde’s good performance with a second term of office on an unprecedented scale, by claiming that electing him was a mistake. Furious at every project completed, railing against infrastructure just to get at Makinde in his demonic obsession and jaundiced opposition, Abegunde is a pathetic puppy lost in the wilderness, an errand boy of political failures.

Dirty inside out, chronically illogical and without even the slightest shred of reverence for facts, Abegunde declares with a bold face that nothing good can come from Makinde, a man constantly rated as one of Nigeria’s finest governors. Only in April, Governor Makinde and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno, topped the chart as Nigeria’s “most loved” and “most inspiring” governors, according to the 2024 leadership survey report released by the Nigeria Social Media Week Group (NSG).

Yet Abegunde calls him a failure. Not even Lucifer in his finery of falsehood is that tactless and senseless.

In his megalomania, Abegunde said he had instructed Governor Makinde not to visit Eruwa but that the governor had not paid heed! Wow, this clown evidently thinks he is Emperor of Nigeria, and he had better undergo psychiatric evaluation before too late.

He once claimed that Makinde’s prompt payment of worker’s salaries had a political undertone! Pray, will Nigeria not develop very fast if leaders play that kind of politics? If Makinde making Oyo State an investment destination is playing politics, are we not all lucky to be witnesses to such politicking? If the resurrection of the Fashola Agric Hub that has drawn international attraction is politics, shall we not borrow a line from William Shakespeare and ask the governor to please “play on” ? Who did the President of Sierra Leone come to visit and understudy? Was it not Makinde?

The charge that Makinde overruled the Supreme Court is not new. Abegunde made the same claim following the Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy when, relying on science, data and logic, Governor Makinde posed certain fundamental questions about LG formation and administration in a federal set up. Needless to say, time has vindicated Makinde as the LGs remain mired in crisis, while Abegunde remains lost in the wilderness of ignorance. It is obvious that this clown lives, thinks, eats and sleeps and possibly even dreams Makinde, blinded by demonic hatred and chained down by perverse thoughts.

The way he rants on a daily basis, you would think that this world was all about Makinde. He will soon blame Seyi Makinde for rewarding the 1998 WAFU Cup winners with the lands promised them by the Oyo State Government 27 years ago.
Does this man have a job? Or a family that offers him wise counsel? Will somebody help this ruffian before he unravels finally in a mental facility? Perhaps he can still be salvaged even if he sounds irredeemably savage.

Akanni sent this from Ologuneru in Ibadan.

Oyo East Local Government Area is reportedly struggling to fund the renovation of its secretariat complex in Korobo, Oyo, despite receiving over ₦300 million monthly as federal allocation.

According to findings, the council has resorted to soliciting financial and material support from individuals and groups for the refurbishment of the once-proud administrative facility. This comes despite a significant rise in the monthly allocation to Oyo State from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

In 2023, Oyo State received a total of ₦207.37 billion from FAAC. By 2024, the figure rose by over 40%, reflecting improved federal disbursement. However, concerns have grown over the allocation and usage of funds at the local government level, with Oyo East now calling for public assistance to rehabilitate its infrastructure.

In letters seen by reporters, the council lamented the dilapidated state of its secretariat and made open appeals for support from public-spirited individuals and organisations.

“Once a shining beacon of administrative pride, it is now in need of revival. We believe that revitalising this crucial structure is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the government,” the letter stated.

The council further appealed for donations in cash or kind to aid the ongoing renovation project.

“We graciously accept material donations such as paints, cement, roofing sheets, office furniture, and floor tiles,” it added.

It will be recalled that on July 13, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that allocations meant for local government councils should be paid directly from the Federation Account, without being routed through state governments. The judgment was intended to guarantee local government financial autonomy and ensure the third tier of government functions effectively.

However, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has consistently opposed this model. The governor has argued that full local government autonomy without coordination from state governments would lead to “administrative chaos.” He maintains that while LGs should be empowered, the state must retain oversight to ensure accountability and uniform development strategies.

Governor Seyi Makinde is a clever man. Like his predecessors and brother governors, he has single-handedly and successfully penetrated and pocketed the spirits and souls of the 33 local government administrations in the state.

By plotting and planting his puppets in those positions of power, influence, and authority, the governor has shown clearly that he’s no different from other politicians the rest of the country has complained about.

Today, the political and economic survival of the local government areas in Oyo State is permanently and deliberately tied to his apron string. He buys them furniture, rehabilitates their roads, pays their security allowances, approves projects, awards contracts, digs their gutters, hand-picks their chairmen, receives their allocations, and gives them crumbs—and still has the audacity to complain about the lopsidedness and imbalance in our political configuration!

While not being the first to turn local councils into another cash cow venture, available records show he has definitely surpassed his predecessor’s level of impunity, high-handedness, and emperor-like style.

Despite being elected, the various council bosses are said to kowtow to him. Literally, they have turned him into an unquestionable helmsman. In a way, the swift and sweet reform promised by the governor to open up rural areas to socioeconomic opportunities and prosperity in the last election has hit a brick wall.

At the moment, life in rural areas is at its lowest point. People have become poorer. Undoubtedly, the grass-roots economy has been stifled. Development in those areas is stunted. Growth is distant. What we know as government, which is closer to the people, is no longer with the people. It is now with the governor in Ibadan. “The council chairmen are being cursed by their people for doing nothing.” President Buhari averred in one of his interventions on local government autonomy, “They cannot say anything against the governor who unilaterally imposed them as chairmen, so they bear it.”

One of the hidden facts about Nigerian politics is the enormous amount of power held by the governors. In fact, according to WTO Director General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the combined 36 state governors in the country are more powerful and influential than the president. They can force the President to do their bidding; blackmail the President to follow their dictates; and coerce the President to dance to their tunes. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala narrates this dangerous power dynamics in her book, Fighting Corruption is Dangerous. In that gripping, eye-opening, and riveting book, Dr. Iweala walked readers through the heartbreaking decision former President Goodluck Jonathan was persuaded to make on January 1, 2012.

In addition, her account of that counterintuitive and insensitive decision underscored the persuasive power of the governors—one man against 36 men is no game at all. Against all grains of common sense, the 36 state governors at that time compelled the president to remove fuel subsidies on New Year’s Eve without the knowledge of the coordinating minister of the economy. Because of that single hasty decision, the whole country fell into unprecedented panic, chaos, and frenzy — and eventually booted President Jonathan out of power.

But when President Muhammadu Buhari accused some governors of stealing local government funds on Thursday, February 2, 2022, only two out of 36 pushed back. The rest, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, went into hibernation. On his part, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike countered the president for making such a generalization. Like his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor Wike also called for the public naming of the accused governor. “I challenged the President to mention the names of the governors,” he said to the applause of the public at the event.

As a matter of fact, this is not the first time President Buhari has drawn the attention of the public to the heist committed by the state governor. In an exclusive interview with Arise TV, President Muhammadu Buhari stated that “the governors have virtually killed the local government system.” He went further by saying “most of the council chairmen are not carrying out any projects because the governors are taking the money belonging to the councils and are just giving them enough to pay salaries.” After starving them of their legitimate funds and sensing the growing disaffection against his hand-picked council chairmen, Governor Seyi Makinde on May 21, 2022, instructed the local government chairmen to submit a list of roads for rehabilitation.

The state commissioner for information and culture, Wasiu Olatunbosun, made the disclosure while fielding questions from Aanuoluwapo Ominrinde on Bottom Line, a political program on IBR 92.5fm Ibadan. “The information I have is that His Excellency has directed that the chairmen compile the list of roads to be rehabilitated and submit it.” Once that is done, he enthusiastically concluded that work will commence. When President Buhari said governors have unilaterally killed the local government system, this is what he meant.

It is quite pathetic that for the past three and a half years, no council boss has invited Governor Makinde to commission a project. There is nothing to commission in the rural areas except projects facilitated by the state government. “When I was serving as the caretaker committee chairman of my local government area between 2019 and 2022”, one former council boss depressingly told me, “Anything above N50,000 must be approved from Ibadan.” “But even now, no council chairman can execute a project worth N10,000,000 without the approval of the governor.”

Unsurprisingly, Governor Seyi Makinde didn’t mince words when he accused all the local council bosses of corruption at a recent interview in Ibadan. He publicly and intentionally dragged the chairmen into the dirty water of politics. For what? Maybe to score cheap political point or to divert the attention of the people from asking uncomfortable questions about his government. Whichever way, that old tactic of blame game has failed.

Instead of taking courageous cue from the heroic exploits of Mr. Dele Abiodun, former Ekiti local government Chairman who stood up to challenge the impunity of Governor Bukola Saraki, our own local government chairmen silently and suffering and dare-I-say smiling! Summarily, the earlier we embrace and collectively work to stamp out this entrenched impunity, the better for us. Unfortunately, hypocrisy has eaten deep into the fabric of our region. It’s a shame that those advocating for restructuring haven’t put as much pressure on Southwest governors and particularly in Oyo as they have on other issues. “Charity,” as the saying goes, “begins at home.

OYO101 is Muftau Gbadegesin’s opinion about Issues affecting Oyo state, published on Saturdays. He can be reached via @TheGMAKing on Twitter, muftaugbadegesin@gmail.com and 09065176850

An Upper Area Court in Ganmo, Kwara State, has ordered the remand of a popular Islamic scholar, Alhaja Kafilat Kaola, at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin over a defamation case involving another renowned Islamic preacher, Alfa Taofeek Akeugbagold.

Alhaja Kaola, a female Islamic cleric and proprietor of a school, was brought before the court by Akeugbagold, who accused her of defamation.

During Monday’s proceedings, counsel to Alhaja Kaola pleaded with the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition and on account of her public status, assuring the court that she would not abscond.

However, counsel to the plaintiff, Ajasa Ademola, opposed the bail application, arguing that Alhaja Kaola was not entitled to such privilege under the law, citing her alleged involvement in a similar matter.

Ajasa, when prompted to provide evidence to support his objection, presented a viral video in which Alhaja Kaola was allegedly seen disparaging a judge and a lawyer over a previous legal case.

Citing relevant legal provisions, Ajasa maintained that individuals who publicly ridicule judicial officers should not be granted bail under such circumstances and insisted that she be remanded.

Following arguments from both parties, the judge ordered that Alhaja Kaola be remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin until the next adjourned date, July 17, 2025.