Politics
Alleged N4.7bn fraud: Alli, Lanlehin, Makinde react as court acquits ex-Oyo Governor, Ladoja
Former Secretary to the Oyo state Government and gubernatorial candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Barrister Sharafadeen Alli and his African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterparts, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and Engineer Seyi Makinde respectively, have reacted to Friday’s acquittal of former governor of the state, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.
DAILY POST recalls that a federal high court in Lagos on Friday discharged and acquitted Ladoja and his Finance commissioner Mr. Waheed Akanbi over the N4.7billion case instituted against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Alli, while reacting in a statement issued by his media aide, Comrade Taiwo Ibarahim, said he had know Ladoja for being a trustworthy person for many decades.
He stated that the discharge of Ladoja by the court has shown that Ladoja ran a transparent government.
He said, “I have known my leader, Ladoja over the decades as one who always stand by the truth and would never do anything to soil his image.
“His victory is another testimony that the government he ran in Oyo state between 2003 and 2007, together with those of us, his lieutenants, was that of the people and for the people alone and this is the more reason he stands out as has been clamouring for good governance in the next dispensation”.
He recalled that his record of putting the people, teachers, civil servants, traders, artisans in the the frontburner of governance has not been rivaled since he left the saddle in 2007 and stressed that as a graduate from his school of political thoughts, he (Ladoja) has reposed that confidence in him to reshape the socio-economic and socio-political system of Oyo State.
Lanlehin, in a statement by his media aide, Damola Adeoye, said, “Senator Ladoja’s integrity has been further advertised, and the orchestrators of the spurious litigation, ostensibly for political motives, put to perpetual shame.
“Senator Lanlehin, therefore, congratulates the Osi Olubadan on this victory over witch hunt, base politics and unfounded allegations, urging him to continue to dedicate his life to the advancement of humanity and promotion of welfarism.”
Makinde, on his part, said that he was relieved to learn that the litigation which lasted over 10 years was finally laid to rest in favour of Senator Ladoja.
According to him, “Ladoja’s comportment throughout the ordeal was a lesson in resilience which the younger ones must learn from.”
Makinde said that Senator Ladoja must now make himself father of all and stand by what will bring maximum progress to a people he once governed.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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