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N300bn: Oyo APC Protests Alleged Intimidation, Rising Debt, Secret Loan Approval

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan, the state capital, over alleged intimidation of its members in the House of Assembly and the recent approval of a N300 billion loan request by the state government.

The protesters, in their hundreds, converged on the APC State Secretariat, Oke-Ado, before marching through Dugbe, Queen Cinema, Adamasingba and finally terminating at Mokola Roundabout. They carried placards with inscriptions such as “Stop mortgaging Oyo’s future,” “No to secret loan approvals,” and “Makinde, account for previous loans.”

Addressing party faithful, APC State Chairman, Olayide Abas, warned Governor Seyi Makinde and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against plunging the state into perpetual debt. He described the rising debt profile of the state as “worrisome and dangerous to the future of Oyo people.”

Abas alleged that Ibraheem Shittu, the APC lawmaker representing Saki West State Constituency, had been receiving threats since he raised objections to the loan approval. He said the protest was to show solidarity with Shittu and to caution the government.

“We are here to show our support for him for taking a bold step to stand against the loan. We are behind him. The governor must not turn Oyo into a perpetual loan collector. What has been done with previous borrowings? The assessment of another N300 billion loan is an attempt to plunge the state into deeper financial crisis.

“The state has been receiving increased allocation from the Federation Account since the advent of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. There is no justification for another huge loan at this time,” he said.

Shittu had last week faulted the loan approval, claiming the matter was not tabled before him. He insisted the decision was taken in secrecy, contrary to legislative procedures. But the House of Assembly, in a statement jointly signed by the Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin, and the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Waheed Akintayo, dismissed Shittu as an absentee lawmaker.

The APC leadership accused the Assembly of bias and alleged that the PDP government was stifling opposition voices in the state. “The attacks on Hon. Shittu for merely performing his legislative duty are signs of intolerance and intimidation. Oyo cannot afford to silence dissent in a democracy,” Abas added.

Reacting, the PDP in the state dismissed the protest as a waste of time. Its Publicity Secretary, Michael Ogunsina, defended Makinde, insisting there was nothing wrong in the procurement of the loan. He said the governor was working to place the state on a sound economic footing.

Ogunsina said: “The truth is that the state is on a positive pedestal. We are on the path to prosperity. If APC and its leaders do not like what Governor Makinde is doing, they have no choice — they can relocate to Ogun State.”

Observers say the protest may signal the APC’s renewed attempt to reposition itself as a formidable opposition force in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party leaders believe that issues of transparency, rising debt burden and fiscal mismanagement could become strong campaign points against the PDP administration.

Analysts also link the protest to the wider national narrative, where APC-controlled states have been urged to align with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. They argue that Oyo, despite being under PDP, is benefiting from increased federal allocations, making fresh heavy borrowing questionable in the eyes of opposition leaders.

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Politics

APC Secretariat Violence: Oyo Lawmaker Denies Assault, Alleges Smear Campaign

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The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.

An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.

However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.

He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.

According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.

Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.

He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”

The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.

He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.

Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.

“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.

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Oyo Reps Member Denies Assault, Dares APC Chieftain to Prove ‘Hospitalisation’ Claim

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‎The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.

Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.

The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.

Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.

‎But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.

‎“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.

‎He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.

‎According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.

‎The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.

‎“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.

‎Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.

‎He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.

The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.

‎Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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2027: Oseni kicks off Oyo South Senate bid, rallies support for one million Tinubu votes

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The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.

The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.

He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.

Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”

While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.

According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”

He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.

Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.

Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.

Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”

He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”

The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.

 

 

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