The Oyo State government has condemned the exclusion of Governor Seyi Makinde from Monday’s flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, describing the development as an unnecessary politicisation of an infrastructure project.
The ceremony, held at Idi Ayunre in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, was attended by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who represented President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
Also present at the event were the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sarafadeen Alli, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
In a statement issued by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the government said the decision to exclude Makinde from the event amounted to taking politics too far.
Oyelade said the governor’s absence diminished the significance of an event that should have focused primarily on infrastructure development and its benefits to residents of Oyo and Ogun states.
According to him, the explanation that Makinde was not invited because he was on leave was unacceptable, particularly because his deputy, Bayo Lawal, was available and serving as acting governor.
“The exclusion is unfortunate. 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 commissioner argued that the circumstances surrounding Makinde’s absence suggested a political undertone that was inconsistent with the importance of the road project.
He said the event had been expected to provide an opportunity to highlight the economic and developmental benefits of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road to communities and businesses across the two states.
Instead, Oyelade said, the ceremony was reduced to what he described as a “political jamboree”.
He maintained that Makinde remained unperturbed by the development, adding that the state government would remain focused on issues affecting the people of Oyo State.
The Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road is a major transportation corridor linking Oyo and Ogun states and is expected to improve connectivity, movement of goods and regional economic activities when completed.
