Politics
‘Oyo people expecting us to massively develop the LGs’, Makinde tells caretaker chairmen
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Thursday told the 33 Caretaker Chairmen of local governments and 35 chairmen of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) that the people of the state expect massive development of the councils under his watch.
The Governor, who spoke at the Executive Council chambers of his office told the chairmen that residents of the state expect the council helmsmen to remain focused and diligent as according to him, the people expect great improvements under their tenure.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, also confirmed that the meeting reviewed the ongoing crisis rocking the local government system in the state.
According to the Governor, the new chairmen should see their appointments as opportunities to serve, noting that despite the distractions of parts of the councils by the sacked illegal chairmen, the caretaker chairmen must remain strong, steadfast and dedicated to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.
He also disclosed that the state government had secured an interim injunction, which restrained the Attorney General of Federation, Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State as well as their agents, from disturbing activities at the local governments.
The Governor added that the court remained the final arbiter in any dispute and that his government would respect the decision of the court in respect of the pending cases on the local government matter.
Governor Makinde stated: “This is about service to our people. Wherever you are, make sure you serve diligently and let them know what you are doing in that place. I have not had the time to meet with you face to face to tell you about the vision of this administration.
“Whatever happened in the past remains in the past. We have looked for the best hands we can join hands together to move this state forward and that exactly is what this Government is all about. They can peddle half-truths and outright lies but we should not be distracted. We need to be focused on the task at hand and.
“We had an injunction against the Attorney General of Federation, Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State and all their agents to allow us to run the local government administration according to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“But as far as I am concerned, when we came in, in the eyes of the law, we did not meet any elected local government officials. We met pretenders and we have asked them to leave. And that is also the position of the law until the court says otherwise. So, I want you to be focused, single-minded and move away from business as usual.”
The Governor also told the gathering that in the last eight months, his Government had been able to accumulate some money that could be channeled to instant development and transformation of the grassroots.
He said that his administration would work together with the chairmen to decide on projects for each of the local councils and how to go about executing them.
He added: “We have been able to accumulate some money for the local governments because since we came in and owing to the crisis too, we have not been able to judiciously utilize the money meant for that tier of government. But now that you are on the seat, we will all pull together, decide on the project for each of our local government and local council development areas. And once we have agreed, go ahead and execute these projects because the people are waiting for us. They want to see developments at the grassroots and you are all the ones to make it happen.
“I want to once again congratulate you and let you know that there are several people that are qualified to sit in that position. So, you have to demonstrate the capacity to hold that position. On that note, remain strong, steadfast and dedicated and deliver dividends of democracy to our people.”
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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