The Oyo State Government has condemned the exclusion of Governor Seyi Makinde from the official flag-off ceremony of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation project held on Monday at Idi Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
The state government described the development as an unnecessary politicisation of a major federal infrastructure project, saying the deliberate exclusion of the governor amounted to taking politics too far.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government said the ceremony, which 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, was overshadowed by what it described as a desperate political undertone.
Oyelade said the event fell short of the significance attached to the road project, arguing that the exclusion of the host state’s governor reflected a lack of political maturity and confidence.
He dismissed the explanation that Governor Makinde was not invited because he was currently on leave, noting that the state has a functioning acting governor who is available to represent the government at official engagements.
According to him, the decision to exclude Makinde from the ceremony was difficult to justify, particularly given the importance of the road to Oyo State and its residents.
The commissioner, however, said Governor Makinde remained unperturbed by the development, but regretted that an important infrastructure project had been reduced to what he described as a political jamboree.
Oyelade maintained that the Oyo State Government remained focused on the development and welfare of its people, irrespective of political considerations surrounding the 2027 elections.
He added that the state’s political direction would ultimately be determined by the people, stressing that attempts to intimidate or distract the administration would not alter their democratic choices.
“The course of 2027 is set, and no level of indecorum or desperation from whatever quarters will hold back the will of the people,” Oyelade said.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting projects capable of improving transportation, boosting economic activities and strengthening connectivity between Oyo State and neighbouring states.
