The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde have clashed over the funding of the state’s 50th anniversary celebration, Oyo @50, following allegations that about N2.9bn was sourced from local government allocations to finance the event.
In a statement released on Thursday in Ibadan, the APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, accused Governor Makinde of directing the chairmen of the state’s 33 local government councils to contribute N90m each from their federal allocations for the golden jubilee celebration.
According to the opposition party, the alleged deductions alone amounted to approximately N2.97bn, excluding what it claimed were additional funds drawn from the Oyo State Government treasury.
APC Alleges Mismanagement of Oyo @50 Funds
The APC described the Oyo @50 celebration as a “shambolic and poorly organised exercise,” arguing that the event lacked substance, value, and commensurate impact despite the huge sums allegedly expended.
“Independent observers have noted that the entire Oyo @50 celebration turned out to be a sham, devoid of glamour and substance. Our concern is that this unimpressive event was allegedly used as a conduit for the mismanagement and siphoning of public funds,” the statement read.
The party claimed it had it on “good authority” that the N90m allegedly deducted from each local government was made at the instance of the governor to bankroll the anniversary activities.
It questioned the justification for spending billions of naira on activities such as an air show, award ceremonies, souvenir Ankara fabrics, and novelty football matches, which it said fell short of global standards for such expenditure.
“What exactly justified spending over N3bn? Was it the misplaced air show, the lopsided awards, the colour-riot Ankara uniforms for PDP members, or the one-man novelty football match?” the APC queried.
APC Accuses Makinde of Using Public Funds for PDP Activities
The APC further accused Governor Makinde of diverting public resources to sustain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, alleging that the ruling party had become dependent on government funds for survival.
The party claimed that the governor had previously spent billions of naira on what it described as an illegal PDP national convention, as well as on the construction of new zonal and state PDP secretariats in the South-West.
It also alleged that vehicles and buses purchased with public funds were donated to PDP leaders and officials.
“All these wasteful expenditures are borne by the people of Oyo State. Governor Makinde must immediately stop using public funds for partisan projects,” Sadare said.
Background on Oyo State Creation
Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, by the military administration of General Murtala Mohammed. In August 1991, the Babangida-led military government carved out Osun State, leaving Ibadan, Oyo, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and other areas as the core of the present Oyo State.
PDP Dismisses APC Claims as Politically Motivated
Reacting to the allegations, the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State PDP, Michael Ogunsina, dismissed the APC’s claims as baseless, misleading, and politically driven.
Ogunsina said the Oyo @50 celebration was organised to highlight the state’s history, cultural diversity, and developmental achievements, while honouring individuals who contributed to its growth over the past five decades.
He argued that the participation of local government chairmen in funding the event was voluntary and lawful, not coercive.
“If the executive chairmen of the 33 local governments chose to identify with the state government to celebrate the golden jubilee of Oyo State, how is that a bad thing?” he asked.
PDP Defends Oyo @50 Celebration
Ogunsina described it as “disturbing” that the APC could not separate governance from politics, accusing the opposition of failing to acknowledge the achievements of the Makinde administration.
He maintained that the Oyo @50 celebration was widely adjudged successful, attracting national and international dignitaries, including members of the APC.
“How much is too much for an event that brought together national and global icons and showcased our culture, talents, resources, and achievements to the world?” he asked.
The PDP spokesman denied claims that local government chairmen were forced to contribute funds, insisting that none was coerced.
“The chairmen acted collectively in the interest of the people of Oyo State. No one was forced or compelled,” he said.
Ogunsina accused the APC of spreading desperate propaganda and urged the opposition to engage constructively rather than politicising a historic milestone in Oyo State’s history.
