Politics
Oyo LG Poll: Southwest Councilors Urge Makinde to Respect Rule of Law
Councilors in Southwest geopolitical zone have urged Governor Seyi Makinde to respect the rule of law by allowing elected local government chairmen and councilors in Oyo state to complete their terms in office irrespective of political nomenclature.
The lawmakers under the aegis of Southwest State Councilors’ Forum added that by promoting rule of law, Governor Makinde would also be projecting Oyo state as a state that is not going back to brigandage era after 8 years of sustainable peace and security enjoyed by residents of the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Taiwo Olukunle Alaba which was made available to Mega Icon Magazine , the Forum noted that the Council Chiefs and Councilors were elected in an election conducted by OYSIEC, a duly constituted State Independent Electoral Body.
The statement reads, “We the Southwest Councilors’ Forum of Nigeria wishes to register our voices as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria on purported dissolution of duly elected Local government Chairmen and Councilors in Oyo state by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Abiodun Makinde.
“A May 6th 2019 High Court judgement had also restrained the government and its representative or agencies from dissolving the councils or freezing the bank accounts of the councils.
“The court held that, dissolution of elected council Chairmen and Councilors by the State Government or the House of Assembly is contrary to section 7(1)of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“The subsisting Supreme Court judgement on Ekiti state has removed such fanciful act of executive indulgence in using the State House of Assembly or mere announcement of dissolution by the Oyo state Governor’s Chief of Staff to perpetrate illegality and dissolve elected local government on the whims and Caprice of a state government.
“We also appeal to His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde to promote rule of law by allowing elected officials to spend their terms of office regardless of their political nomenclature, the statement concluded.
The Forum, however commended the state’s ALGON and Forum of Councilors led by Prince Abass Aleshinloye and Hon Adesoji Adesokan for being constructive and peaceful in its approach by seeking redress in the court of law.
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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