Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has come under scrutiny following revelations that his administration is proposing to spend a staggering ₦63.5 billion to renovate the government house in Ibadan.

The development sparked widespread reactions after investigative journalist ’Fisayo Soyombo, via his verified social media account on X (formerly Twitter), questioned the timing, necessity, and implications of the proposed expenditure.

Soyombo pointed out that Governor Makinde, who assumed office in 2019, has already completed over 76 percent of his constitutionally allowed two-term tenure and is expected to leave office in less than two years. Despite this, the governor is now seeking to renovate a facility he and his deputy have not resided in since assuming office.

“Makinde and his deputy, by the way, have lived in their private residences throughout their tenure. Renovating an edifice you don’t live in and when you’re on your way out with the equivalent of the state’s 2024 IGR?” Soyombo wrote in the post shared on Friday evening.

The journalist further hinted at public suspicions surrounding the proposed spending, stating, “You and I know why Makinde needs that ₦63.5bn; you want me to say it but I won’t. Say it yourself!”

Responding to the criticism during a special plenary at the Oyo State House of Assembly on Friday, Governor Makinde attributed the high cost of the project to the depreciation of the naira.

According to the governor, exchange rate volatility has also driven up the cost of servicing the state’s external debt, particularly a $200 million loan secured by the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

“When we assumed office, our monthly repayment stood at ₦700 million. But as of now, we are compelled to pay ₦3 billion monthly,” he explained.

It is not every day that we celebrate not just a man, but a towering force of intellect, integrity, and service. On this special occasion of his birthday, I join millions across Oyo State, Nigeria, and beyond in paying tribute to a man I consider not only a mentor and leader, but a brother and a friend. Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran is not simply a public figure; he is a phenomenon. And as someone privileged to have walked beside him over the years, I speak not just from admiration, but from experience.

To understand the measure of the man is to appreciate the extraordinary depth of his intellect. With a Ph.D. in Communication Arts and Community Development from the University of Ibadan and a Law degree (LL.B. Hons.), Dr. Adeniran represents a unique blend of academic rigor and legal insight. Yet these credentials—impressive as they are—barely capture the scope of his wisdom or the grace with which he applies it.

In every sphere he has served—whether as a lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic or Lead City University, or in government—Dr. Adeniran has brought both heart and intellect to bear. His students speak of him as a beacon of clarity and discipline. His colleagues speak of his unwavering principles and quiet strength. And we, his contemporaries, continue to marvel at his capacity to lead without arrogance, to serve without spectacle, and to build without seeking applause.

His record in public service is profound. As Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, he showed us what people-centered leadership truly means. Later, as Commissioner for Industry, Applied Science and Technology—and subsequently Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology—he broke barriers, resolved entrenched challenges, and uplifted the state’s education system in ways we still feel today.

I recall vividly the turbulent state of affairs when he became Education Commissioner. Teachers’ salaries were unpaid, morale was at an all-time low, infrastructure was collapsing, and public trust was waning. Yet within a short time, Dr. Adeniran achieved what many believed to be impossible—he cleared salary backlogs, renovated dozens of schools, reintroduced open-day policies to reconnect teachers with parents, and re-established accountability through unannounced school inspections. Under his stewardship, Oyo State’s basic education ranking jumped from 27th to 11th nationally. That is not just governance—it is legacy.

Now, as Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, he has continued that legacy with undiminished vigor. More than 7,000 teachers and 1,000 caregivers have been recruited during his tenure. Classrooms across urban and rural Oyo State are experiencing real transformation. Educational policies have become more inclusive, and hope has returned to our schools.

What many do not know is that during the last round of computer-based teacher recruitment examinations, while physically indisposed, Dr. Adeniran remained present every day to ensure a smooth process—only tending to his own health after the job was done. In his characteristic way, he continues to put others first.

Beyond all his public accomplishments, it is his loyalty and humanity that most define Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran in my eyes.

There was a time—those vibrant Lagos days—when his residence became our political and intellectual headquarters. Sunday afternoons were sacred. The “Amala ritual,” as we fondly called it, was more than a meal; it was a communion. He would never begin without calling out to me—“Beulah,” he’d say, in that warm and persuasive voice, “come, the elders are here.” Around that table, over steaming plates and spirited conversations, politics, law, and policy were born. Friendships were forged. Wisdom flowed freely until dusk.

Even now, I continue to turn to him—not just for political strategy but for counsel rooted in values. His door is always open, his ears always attentive, his advice always grounded and sincere. In a world obsessed with noise and bravado, Dr. Adeniran’s calm is his greatest strength. In circles where ego dominates, his humility commands unmatched respect.

He is a servant-leader in the truest sense—one who leads from the front, but is equally willing to lift from behind. That he returned to teach at his own alma mater, Muslim Grammar School, Odinjo, speaks volumes about his humility. That he treats the most junior staff with the same respect as the highest official reflects the essence of his soul. There is no corner of Oyo State he has not touched—and always with intention and compassion.

His contributions to the Muslim community are also deeply impactful. He has revitalized the OYOSUBEB mosque, instituted regular Friday prayers, hosted statewide Ramadan lectures that attract scholars and citizens alike, and championed interfaith understanding with quiet dignity. During the uncertainty of the pandemic, he provided both reassurance and leadership. Today, he is more than a public servant—he is a spiritual and moral anchor for many.

It is no surprise, then, that he was elected Chairman of the South-West SUBEB Chairmen Forum, representing six states. In this capacity, he continues to promote regional collaboration and educational reform. Yet despite the prestige of this role, Dr. Adeniran remains grounded—walking among the people, not above them.

For me, and for many others, Dr. Adeniran is the rare kind of leader whose greatness is measured not by titles, but by trust; not by ambition, but by legacy.

As I reflect on our years of friendship, I feel deeply honored to have witnessed a life lived in full alignment with purpose. His journey reaffirms that public service, when done with integrity, remains noble. That politics, when guided by conscience, can still uplift. That leadership, when rooted in love for others, can still transform lives.

Dr. Adeniran, today we celebrate more than your birthday—we celebrate your example. We thank you for every reform, every kind word, every sleepless night in service to your people. We honor your intellect, your dignity, your faith, and your strength. And we pray that the years ahead bring you continued joy, health, and the opportunity to shape generations to come.

You have given so much to your people, your faith, and your nation. May history remember you as you are remembered today—not merely as a man of power, but as a man of peace. Not just as a public figure, but as a moral compass. Not just as a leader, but as a light.

Happy birthday, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran.
Oyo State salutes you. Nigeria honors you. And I, Amofin Beulah Adeoye, remain forever proud to call you my egbon.

There is absolutely no justification for the extravagant ₦63.4 billion budgeted for renovation of Oyo State Government House. No reasonable or conscientious citizen should support such reckless spending, especially when the same amount could transform the education or health sectors, which are both in dire need of investment. That amount could build functional primary health centres across all 33 local government areas, or massively upgrade State government hospitals and schools.

This same government house has been abandoned since Governor Seyi Makinde assumed office. The last known occupant was Alao-Akala. If it has remained unused for so long, why the sudden urgency to renovate it especially with such an outrageous sum? It seriously raises red flags about the intent behind the project.

Since this news broke, I have attempted to find any record of consistent funding or maintenance allocations to the government house since Seyi Makinde came onboard. None surfaced. The reason was to engage objectively, relying on facts. While there are reports that the Ajimobi administration allocated funds for similar purposes, the public deserves to know how that money was spent. Transparency should not be optional in governance, it is essential. And, if Seyi Makinde had been consistent in maintaining it since he came onboard, there would not have been need for “total overhaul”.

More disturbing is the irony of the Governor lamenting the “steep increase” in Oyo’s foreign debt repayment obligations. If that is indeed true, how can he justify spending ₦63.4 billion on what is clearly a luxury? In times of economic constraint, a responsive government should lead by example, cutting down on waste and shelving non-essential projects. This renovation cannot pass the test of necessity, urgency, or economic prudence. It reeks of misplaced priorities.

The Governor is essentially saying to the people: “I’ll live in luxury, while you endure poverty.” With Oyo State ranked among those with the highest numbers of out-of-school children and poor health indices, this project is not only tone-deaf, it is immoral. It shows a disconnect from the real and immediate needs of the people.

If the Governor had taken these funds and deployed them into building modern classrooms, equipping science labs, revamping primary healthcare centres, or fixing the State’s water infrastructure, he would have been praised. Instead, he has chosen opulence over the people. This is not just poor judgment, it is a fundamental failure in leadership.

Recently, I raised the alarm on the growing rate of open defecation in the State. Though the government quickly formed a 20-member committee led by the Secretary to the State Government, no concrete action has followed. Setting up committees is not the same as governance. The government must commit to building public toilets and fixing water supply systems. These are basic services that would cost far less than ₦63 billion.

To be clear, no one denies that the government house may need renovation after years of neglect. But the questions remains: why now? Why this much? Why wasn’t it done in his first term when state? Why spend this much during a period of economic uncertainty and rising debt repayments?

This is not just a budgetary issue; it is a governance crisis. A government that continues to sell State-owned assets like the Ogunpa Dam Forest Reserve which houses Agodi Zoological Gardens, and Trans Amusement Park, amongst others, should not be spending billions on luxury projects. That signals a troubling trend; selling public assets to fund elite comfort, not public development.

Let us also not forget the role of the legislature in this matter. They are meant to serve as a check on the executive, ensuring that public funds are used judiciously. Unfortunately, the silence from the Oyo State House of Assembly is deafening. Their failure to question or scrutinize this project amounts to complicity. They have a constitutional duty to conduct proper oversight and protect the interests of the people. That duty appears to have been abandoned.

Governor Makinde must be reminded that good governance thrives on accountability and transparency. The people have the right to know the full scope of this renovation: the contractors involved, the bidding process, timelines, breakdown of expenses, and more. Without such disclosures, this project will continue to be viewed as a conduit pipe for waste and corruption.

In conclusion, this is more than just about ₦63.4 billion. It is about values, vision, and leadership. A governor who claims to feel the economic pains of the people cannot, in good faith, approve such spending while critical sectors are underfunded. This is not just wasteful, it is shameful. Governor Makinde must retrace his steps. Oyo State deserves better. The people deserve leaders who serve, not rulers who indulge.

Kazeem Olalekan Israel (GANI) writes from Ibadan, Nigeria.

Hon. Babajide Gabriel, the lawmaker representing Ibadan North II Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has raised fresh concerns over the long-abandoned Agbowo Shopping Complex, describing the delay in its redevelopment as a significant loss to the state.

Speaking on the floor of the House during Friday’s plenary, Hon. Babajide expressed disappointment that six years after the state government announced plans to rehabilitate the once-vibrant complex, it remains non-functional and locked in a state of inertia.

According to him, It’s been six years since work was said to have started at Agbowo Shopping Complex, and till today, there is nothing to show. He added that the state is bleeding revenue from a facility that should be driving economic activity in Ibadan North.

The Agbowo Shopping Complex, located opposite the University of Ibadan, was a key commercial hub in the 1990s but has since become a symbol of neglect. In 2020, the state government had signed an agreement with a private developer to transform the complex into a modern commercial and hospitality centre. However, little progress has been made since then.

Babajide warned that continued delays in the project would further deprive the state of much-needed internally generated revenue and opportunities for local economic development. He emphasized that his concern isn’t just about Ibadan North; it’s about the state losing out on a valuable asset. “Imagine the jobs, businesses, and taxes that complex could generate if it was up and running,” he added.

The lawmaker also used the opportunity to highlight the poor condition of roads in his constituency, with particular emphasis on the Ashi-Bodija and Agbowo axis. He urged the Governor to prioritise infrastructural rehabilitation in the areas.

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, seemed to have addressed the growing speculation about a potential presidential bid in 2027, stating that he is content with the trajectory of his political journey, whether or not it leads beyond his current office.

Speaking during his ‘State of the State Address’ at the Oyo State House of Assembly Parliamentary Building in Ibadan on Friday, June 20, Governor Makinde said, “If my political career ends as a Governor, it’s a good journey.” The statement, delivered with a measured tone, appeared to respond directly to recent buzz around his alleged interest in the 2027 presidential race.

Makinde, who is currently serving his second term, acknowledged that while he is qualified to run for the presidency, such ambitions are not his current focus. He mentioned that there are still pressing responsibilities here in Oyo State and that is where his attention is.

This clarification comes amid mounting speculation, fueled in part by a viral video circulating on social media in which a crowd, believed to be from Northern Nigeria, was seen chanting “Seyi Makinde for President.” The video has reignited national conversations about possible rival to President Bola Tobiby especially from the People’s Democratic Party.