The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fiercely opposed Governor Seyi Makinde’s move to secure a fresh loan of N200 billion, describing it as reckless and detrimental to the state’s financial future. The party called on concerned Nigerians to intervene and prevail upon the governor to abandon the borrowing plan.

According to the party, it said sources had revealed that Governor Makinde sought and secured approval for the loan on Tuesday, allegedly through the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, and a few select lawmakers. It added that the governor’s request, contained in a letter dated 13th March 2025, cited the need to refinance an existing loan from a commercial bank.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, Oyo APC’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, condemned the move, insisting that the governor’s borrowing spree was driving the state into a financial mess.

“Another distressing development has emerged from the Oyo State House of Assembly today. The Speaker and a handful of his loyalists have secretly approved a fraudulent loan request from the governor without the knowledge of most of their colleagues. This decision was only made public through a post-plenary document released by the Clerk of the House,” the statement read.

Sadare decried the mounting debt profile of Oyo State under Makinde, alleging that the governor had already incurred over N300 billion in loans over the last six years. He questioned why, despite such heavy borrowing, the state had little to show in terms of infrastructural development, economic growth, and agricultural advancement.

“If the previous loans had been judiciously used to improve infrastructure, build the economy, and ensure food security through a sustainable agricultural revolution, there would be no need for concern. Unfortunately, the present PDP administration has demonstrated a lack of accountability and is determined to mortgage the future of Oyo State,” he said.

The APC spokesman further questioned the rationale behind the fresh loan request, citing the substantial revenue inflows into the state’s coffers.

“For the record, Governor Makinde receives an average of N11 billion in federal allocation and another N11 billion on behalf of the 33 local government councils. In addition, the state generates no less than N3 billion in Internally Generated Revenue, bringing the total monthly revenue to at least N25 billion. The critical question now is: what exactly is he doing with this massive income, and why does Oyo still need another huge loan?”

Sadare accused the governor of failing to prioritise essential needs despite the available funds, lamenting that workers in state-owned tertiary institutions were not being paid a living wage, while key sectors such as emergency response, agriculture, and education remained neglected.

“Oyo State cannot even afford five fully functional fire trucks to tackle emergencies. Farmers lack access to modern equipment, while the state’s public schools are deteriorating rapidly. Yet, Governor Makinde, who has failed to complete an ordinary bus terminal after allegedly spending N20 billion, has now set his sights on an airport upgrade project as another means to siphon public funds,” he added.

The APC spokesman also took a swipe at Speaker Ogundoyin, accusing him of acting as a rubber stamp for the governor’s financial dealings.

“The manner in which this N200 billion loan was hurriedly approved exposes the Speaker as a willing accomplice in Makinde’s financial recklessness. However, justice will eventually prevail, and no one involved in this dubious scheme will escape accountability,” Sadare warned.

Oyo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairman, Saki East local government, Adedokun Emmanuel over various allegations ranging from party misconduct, lack of religious tolerance, inappropriate funds allocation among others.

The House made the declaration during its plenary on Tuesday following a petition received from concerned stakeholders of People Democratic Party in Saki East local government, seeking accountability on moveable equipment like the bulldozer, the supposed ten percent being deducted from the salaries of the political functionaries and others.

Part of the petition reads: “We appreciate the gesture of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde for his vision in bringing people from another party to boost membership of our party across the State but in our own case, the beneficiary of this gesture has come to maim and destroy the party to boost his own faction from the other divide he came from”

It reads further: “The moveable equipment like the bulldozer in the local government has been taken away since he assumed office and has not be returned and without remitting any money to the coffer of the local government.

“It is on the aforementioned that we are calling on your support for the saviour of our party in the hands of Hon. Emmanuel Adedokun and the lives of our leaders and elders who have suffered enough for the sustenance of the party PDP.”

The House has however directed that the Vice Chairman, Mr. Rasaq Morufu Adeyemi to take up the mantle of the leadership of the local government in acting capacity while the Council Secretary will temporarily take the position of Vice Chairman.

The House also directed its Standing Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours to investigate the allegations and report back to the House appropriately.

The Alaafin-elect, Prince Akeem Owoade has released his official title.

The Alaafin made this known in a terse statement from the palace on Tuesday.

The statement said the Alaafin prefers to be addressed as His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo

“This is to inform the general public that the proper manner of addressing the Alaafin for all activities and in the media is EXACTLY as follows: His Imperial Majesty Iku Baba Yeye Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.

“The number after OWOADE is the Roman Numeral One (I), not the English Number One (1).

“The public is enjoined to adhere strictly to use the wordings as exactly as stated above and without adding prefix or suffix to any of the names as stated above,” the statement reads.

This came days after he commenced a 21-day traditional rites popularly known as “Oro Opebi.”

On March 7, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Rotimi Osuntola, in Ibadan, announced the commencement of the 21-day traditional rites in a statement.

Osuntola said the traditional rites would end on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The statement read, “The Aláàfin of Oyo Kingdom hereby announces the commencement of ÒRÒ ÌPĘBÍ, the mandatory rites for His Imperial Majesty before his ascension to the revered throne of The Aláàfin.

“The rites commence from Friday, March 7, to Saturday, March 29, 2025. Throughout the period, a curfew shall be imposed as it is customary from 8 pm to 6 am daily throughout the Oyo township.

“This means movements are not allowed during the period of the curfew, and anyone who contravenes this order shall be arrested and detained till 7 am of the following day after his or her arrest.

‘It is pertinent to state that ORO IPĘBI which makes the incoming Aláàfin go into absolute seclusion while it lasts is sacrosanct for the ascending Ikú-Bàbá-Yèyé and must be respected by all and sundry.”

Residents across Ogun State have received essential food supplies during the ongoing observances of Ramadan and Lent, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE) and the Ogun State chapter of the City Boy Movement. The distribution, which aimed to alleviate the financial burden on families during these religious periods, took place in various communities throughout the state.

The initiative was marked by the active participation of key figures within the City Boy Movement. Personal Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Yusuf Kamorudeen, the Patron of the City Boy Movement in Ogun State, played a crucial role in the coordination and execution of the distribution. Seyi Tinubu, the Grand Patron of the City Boy Movement in Nigeria, provided overarching support, emphasizing the importance of community assistance. Dr. Adlat, the coordinator of the City Boy Movement in Ogun State, oversaw the logistical aspects of the operation, ensuring that the food supplies reached the intended beneficiaries.

The distributed items included staple foods designed to meet the needs of those observing Ramadan and Lent.

The beneficiaries, who received the supplies, expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention. Many highlighted the positive impact of the assistance, particularly in light of the economic challenges faced by many families.
The beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the timely assistance, extending their appreciation to President Tinubu for the support facilitated through these organizations. Many recipients highlighted the significance of the food items in alleviating the financial strain associated with the fasting periods.

The service to the people is the cornerstone of true leadership. It is a principle that outweighs cultural considerations or any primordial factors. Very strongly, governance demands sincerity, commitment to the collective good, and an ability to deliver what communities deserve; excellence. Yet, leadership remains a complex and sensitive endeavour, particularly in settings where diverse groups—each with distinct aspirations—must be guided toward a unified purpose. The challenge lies not just in managing these differences but in harnessing them to advance a shared destiny. This is the essence of leadership that serves.

Subnational governance amplifies this complexity. In state like Oyo, rooted with ethnic diversity, cultural variations, and economic disparities, the task of leading is extremely sensitive and must be approached with care. Consider a situation where traders thrive in urban centres, farmers toil in rural hinterlands, and historical legacies shape communal pride. Here, unity is not a given, it must be cultivated. A leader in such a context must possess the vision to align these varied threads into a cohesive fabric, and demonstrate why collective aspirations outweigh fragmented pursuits. This requires more than charisma; it calls for focus, courage, and compassion. Nothing less.

Credentials—academic or professional—are certainly important, yet insufficient on their own. Running a multinational corporation or holding advanced degrees equips me with tools, but governing a diverse populace demands an inner wisdom that transcends formal training – which I also pride myself in. It is the kind of wit that discerns unspoken needs, the courage that confronts entrenched challenges, and the compassion that ensures no one is left behind. I regularly reflect on the time spent observing governance across levels and engaging with thought-leaders, and there is a clear conviction: leadership must transform, not merely manage, – it must build systems that uplift entire communities.

Often, those being led do not fully articulate their deepest needs. Surface demands; maybe roads, jobs, schools, etcetera, reflect immediate concerns, but beneath them lie yearnings for dignity, security, and belonging. A leader’s role is to probe beyond the obvious, armed with insight and supported by a team of critical thinkers. Advisers must not be mere echo chambers but voices of reason, grounded in local realities. Together, they can craft policies that anticipate rather than react, and address both the visible and the latent. This synergy between leader and team is what turns vision into big impacts that we talk about in advanced nations.

I also think economic potential, when untapped, is a silent tragedy. In many regions, unemployment lingers – around 14.5% according to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (2023), while infrastructure crumbles and disparities widen. The path forward lies in diversification: leveraging agriculture in rural zones, fostering innovation in urban hubs, and empowering youth to create rather than seek opportunities. These are not abstract ideals but practical steps rooted in data and dialogue. A leader must champion sustainable growth – be it through renewable energy or digital infrastructure – and ensure that progress today does not compromise prospect of tomorrow.

Unity remains the bedrock of any thriving society. Too often, subnational politics devolves into factionalism and leaves communities fractured. The antidote is a leadership that builds trust across divides through open forums, inclusive policies, and transparent governance. As Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a towering figure in Nigeria’s history, once observed, “The progress of a nation is the sum total of the progress of its component parts.” This truth points to the need for a collective mindset, a mindset that allows every individual to see their stake in the whole. It is a principle applicable anywhere, from rural provinces to urban cities.

Accountability anchors leadership to its purpose. We have lessons to learn from history, – wars fought for justice, empires built on resilience – all that remind us of the stakes involved. Governance must be a pact with the people and posterity, laced by integrity and foresight. Investments in healthcare, education, and sustainable projects are not luxuries but necessities, they ensure that future generations inherit strength, not struggle. This is the mark of leadership that endures: a commitment to serve beyond the present, measured not by applause but by legacy.

I strongly hold true that leadership is less about wielding power and more about embodying service. The road to transformation is rarely smooth, but it is navigable with reason, compassion, and a resolute will. Communities everywhere, whether in Nigeria, Oyo State, or beyond, deserve leaders who rise to this call. I am shaped by these reflections, and the pledge remains firm: to lead with wisdom, unite with purpose, and deliver with sincerity. The pursuit of collective progress is a noble one, and it demands nothing less than my total dedication.

~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, March 14, 2025

The People’s Democratic Party in Oyo State has asked the All Progressives Congress in the State to stop playing politics with the lives and property of the people of the State at all critical time.

Reacting to a statement credited to the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Mr Wasiu Sadare, the PDP asked the APC to seize the opportunity of the holy month of Ramadan and Lent to repent and also purge themselves of the bitterness in their hearts. The Party said the opposition APC should behave like a group of people who truly have the fear of God at heart and not some heartless people whose main objective is to seize every occasion of unfortunate incidents in the State to play bitter politics.

The PDP said if it weren’t for Ramadan, it would have concluded that Mr Sadare is drunk as usual and that his press release was written as usual from a beer parlor as his tradition.

The PDP implored the people of Oyo State to ignore and also see the ranting of the All Progressives Congress in the State as that of a drowning party still clutching at the last means of survival.

In a statement released and made available to newsmen in Ibadan by the Acting Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Oyo State, Mr Micheal Ogunsina, the party said, what happened at Aleshinloye is an unfortunate incident which every reasonable political party or individual should never play politics with. The Party said if the APC has no means of helping the victims of the inferno, they should keep shut instead of mocking them.

The PDP said it strongly commiserates the victim of Aleshinloye fire who lost millions of valuables and money to the fire incident. It’s both unfortunate and very concerning.

“We were all in this State when incidents of fire outbreaks were put off before they spiraled out into a bigger situation by the Oyo State Fire Service but the APC is blind to those incidents and wanted to play politics with the recent incident.

” The APC should note that more as they write their press statements from the beer parlors, more they would look like court jesters to the people of Oyo State.

” Governor Makinde has continued to empowered every necessary and important agency in the State since the government came on board, something the APC failed to do when they were in power. We will just urge Mr Sadare to stop mocking the victims of Aleshinloye fire inferno as we have nothing more to say on this issue as it is an unfortunate one which no one would have expected pettiness from the opposition party”, the statement concluded.

The Oyo State Government has assured residents of the quality execution of the ongoing rehabilitation of the 83.82-kilometre Iseyin-Okaka-Saki Road.

The state government, in a statement on Thursday, said the project is under strict supervision by Resident Engineers from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

It added that the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, alongside a team of engineers, has been conducting regular inspections, including a site visit on February 20, 2025.

This assurance follows allegations of poor workmanship on the project, which surfaced in a social media post.

However, the government dismissed the claims as unfounded, stating that the rehabilitation is being carried out in line with approved specifications.

Prof. Shangodoyin, in the statement, explained that Governor Seyi Makinde had approved a palliative intervention on the road, which includes clearing, turnouts, scarification, and the removal of unsuitable materials.

Other components of the project involve the provision of a reinforced concrete retaining wall, the supply of sub-base and base course materials, and the laying of a 40mm asphaltic wearing course at critical sections of the road.

The statement read, “The Iseyin-Saki Road (83.82km) is a federal road that has undergone multiple rehabilitations by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). However, the road deteriorated and became nearly impassable.

“Despite being a Trunk A road, Governor Makinde, in his commitment to ensuring a smooth commuting experience for residents, directed the state government to undertake rehabilitation work to ease the hardship faced by road users.”

According to the commissioner, the project was awarded to a reputable contractor with a track record of executing several projects in the state, and the cost of the ongoing palliative work is being fully borne by the state government.

Providing an update on the progress, Shangodoyin noted that asphaltic regulation of the surface from Iseyin to Ipapo has been completed, while asphalt resurfacing between Ipapo and Alaga Road has also been concluded.

He added that the laying of stone base and asphalting between Okaka and Alaga has been completed, while stone base laying and asphalt resurfacing between Alaga and Baasi is currently ongoing.

He stated that the outstanding work includes the laying of stone base and asphalt resurfacing between Baasi and Saki.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the project meets the highest standards and provides long-term relief for commuters.