Politics
Teen’s Death: Oyo APC Slams Makinde, Seeks Tech-driven Traffic Control
Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has slammed Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration over the alleged use of excessive force by traffic enforcement officers, leading to the killing of a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade, in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Pandemonium broke out in the New Gbagi Market-Alakia/Old Ife Road area of Ibadan when a policeman attached to the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYRTMA) allegedly fired a shot at a motorist accused of driving against traffic. The bullet reportedly hit the driver’s teenage son, Kehinde, who was being taken to school with his twin brother.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, made available to reporters yesterday in Ibadan, the APC condemned the involvement of gun-wielding security agents in traffic enforcement, saying the act was unprofessional and avoidable.
“The killing of the innocent schoolboy by an overzealous policeman in Ibadan on Tuesday was not only unfortunate but also sad and devastating, going by the circumstances surrounding the whole incident,” the statement read.
“What made it worse was the reaction from the state government, which, instead of accepting responsibility, blamed the father of the victim for the tragic outcome. This added insult to injury and reflects poorly on the administration’s sense of accountability.”
The party described as unacceptable the alleged refusal of the government to acknowledge its failure to safeguard lives, stressing that the deployment of armed officers against traffic offenders was both dangerous and outdated.
“Oyo State government failed in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property. The idea of chasing motorists with armed men instead of deploying close-circuit television (CCTV) and traffic-monitoring technology, as done in Lagos and other advanced climes, is archaic and counterproductive,” the party stated.
It accused Governor Makinde of misplacing priorities, saying while criminals torment residents in Iwajowa, Akinyele, Oluyole, Ibarapa North, Saki East, Oriire, Oyo West, and other areas, the government prefers to use armed officers against motorists.
The APC further called attention to the activities of OYRTMA, Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), and Park Management System (PMS) operatives, whom it accused of turning traffic enforcement into a revenue drive while harassing drivers and causing chaos across the state.
“The state government must check the excesses of these officials as their conduct poses a serious threat to public peace and safety,” the statement said.
The opposition party demanded a thorough investigation by the Inspector-General of Police and the Federal Government, with a view to ensuring justice for the slain boy and punishing all those found culpable.
“The death of Kehinde Alade must not be swept under the carpet. It is high time Governor Makinde adopted civilised and tech-driven approaches to traffic control rather than unleashing brute force on residents,” Sadare added.
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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