FG Excludes Makinde From Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road Flag-Off, Oyo Cries Foul

The Oyo State Government has accused the Federal Government of deliberately sidelining Governor Seyi Makinde from the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road held in Oluyole Local Government Area on Monday.

The state described the exclusion as an unnecessary politicisation of a major infrastructure project and said the development showed that the Federal Government had taken politics “too far.”

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state government said the ceremony at Idi Ayunre was reduced to a political gathering because of the decision to exclude Makinde.

The event was attended by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; APC gubernatorial candidate, Sarafadeen Alli; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Oyelade said the absence of Makinde was particularly difficult to justify, arguing that the explanation that the governor was away on leave was unconvincing because the state had a functional Acting Governor.

He described the alleged exclusion as evidence of “desperate political undertone” and a lack of confidence and political sagacity on the part of those behind the decision.

According to him, it was inappropriate for a Federal Government project located within Oyo State to be turned into a political jamboree, particularly when the project directly affects residents and communities in the state.

The commissioner, however, said Makinde remained unperturbed by the development and would continue to focus on the interests of Oyo residents.

“Governor Seyi Makinde is unperturbed and regrets that the event was reduced to a political jamboree,” Oyelade said.

He warned that attempts to use federal infrastructure projects as political weapons would not determine the political future of Oyo State.

“The course of 2027 is set, and no level of indecorum or desperation from whatever quarters will hold back the will of the people,” he added.

The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with the Federal Government and the Oyo State administration increasingly exchanging political jabs over governance, projects and political influence in the state.