The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has strongly condemned the recent approval of a N63.5 billion renovation project for the Government House by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, describing it as wasteful and a clear misplacement of priorities.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC called on the governor to immediately halt the project, citing the state’s current economic challenges and the alleged lack of transparency surrounding the expenditure.
“The N63.5 billion earmarked for renovating the Government House is not only wasteful but also insensitive to the pressing needs of the people of Oyo State,” the statement read. “This project is a gross misplacement of priorities at a time when citizens are grappling with economic hardship.”
The state government had announced the approval of the renovation alongside an additional N132 million for gardening services at the governor’s residence. Another N14.3 billion was reportedly approved for the procurement of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) for Ladoke Akintola Airport, adding to an earlier N10 billion commitment for the airport’s upgrade.
The APC criticized what it described as the governor’s obsession with “lavish and self-serving projects,” which it claims benefit only a select few within the government circle. The party further argued that the Government House was last refurbished in 2017 under the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and remained in good condition.
Also drawing the party’s ire was the alleged plan to acquire two aircraft for aerial security operations in the state. The APC questioned the necessity of such a move, alleging that the aircraft might become a conduit for embezzling public funds under the guise of security improvement.
“This administration continues to act with impunity and disregard for public opinion,” the party said. “We recall the N2,100-per-copy exercise book scandal in 2019. Today, the same pattern of extravagance is resurfacing in a more alarming form.”
The APC urged civil society organizations, stakeholders, and the general public to demand accountability and ensure that state resources are directed toward projects that directly benefit the masses, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government has not issued a formal response to the APC’s criticisms.
