Oyo APC Accuses Makinde of Squandering N2.9bn on State’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a fresh attack on Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging that his administration squandered a whopping N2.9 billion on the recently concluded 50th anniversary celebration of the state.

In a strongly worded statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, the APC claimed that the Makinde-led government deducted N90 million from the federal allocation of each of the 33 local government councils in the state to finance the event. This deduction alone, according to the opposition party, amounts to N2.97 billion, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds.

“We have it on good authority that a sum of N90 million was deducted from the federal allocation of each of the 33 local government councils by Gov. Makinde ostensibly to fund the anniversary project while another undisclosed amount was taken from the coffers of the state government for the same purpose,” the statement read in part.

The APC further queried the rationale behind the expenditure, asking: “What did they do with over N3 billion?” The party slammed specific activities during the celebration, describing them as extravagant and politically motivated. These include an air show, conferment of awards, distribution of Ankara uniforms allegedly meant for members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and a novelty football match.

As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News, the Oyo State government marked its 50th anniversary with a series of events, including a thanksgiving service attended by notable figures such as former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who praised Governor Makinde for his use of public funds. However, the celebrations have not been without controversy, with some traditional leaders like the Alaafin reportedly boycotting the events amid tensions with the state government.

This latest allegation comes amid a backdrop of escalating political tensions in Oyo State. Just weeks ago, the APC vowed to expose more instances of alleged corruption in Makinde’s administration, following claims by former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose that the Oyo government received but mismanaged N50 billion in federal relief funds for the 2024 Ibadan explosion. The opposition has described the PDP-led government as a “cesspool of corruption” thriving on “false narratives and propaganda.”

Critics on social media have also weighed in, with some questioning the governor’s priorities. One user highlighted the N65 billion budgeted for renovating the government house, contrasting it with the lack of major housing projects during the anniversary.

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government has yet to respond to the APC’s allegations. NaijaChoice News reached out to the governor’s media aide for comments, but no reply was received.

The development has sparked debates among residents, with many calling for an independent audit of the anniversary funds to ensure accountability. Political analysts believe this could intensify the rivalry between the APC and PDP ahead of future elections in the state.