Makinde ‘Wasted’ N2bn On Ibadan Political Summit — Group Alleges, Calls For EFCC, ICPC Investigation

IBADAN — The Save Oyo Movement (SOM) has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of spending another N2 billion on a political summit held in Ibadan last Saturday to advance his vice-presidential ambition.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Akeem Oladiti, and made available to NaijaChoice News on Sunday, the group alleged that the governor has already utilised over N10 billion from the N30 billion federal intervention received for victims of the January 2024 Ibadan explosion.

The movement claimed the funds, meant to alleviate the suffering of explosion victims, have instead been diverted into political projects since 2024. It expressed shock that money earmarked for humanitarian relief continues to fund personal political calculations.

SOM specifically cited over N5 billion allegedly spent on the November 15 and 16, 2025 Peoples Democratic Party National Convention in Ibadan, which it described as unsuccessful. The group also pointed to another N1.5 billion spent on a coronation ceremony that the three designated Ibadan high chiefs did not attend.

According to the statement, the coronation event was primarily targeted at Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who is being touted as a potential All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State. The group noted that holding a traditional title does not bar anyone from seeking elective office.

SOM said Governor Makinde hurriedly convened the latest political summit in Ibadan to promote his vice-presidential aspiration, describing the expenditure as another wasteful use of state resources.

While the group said it is not opposed to any individual pursuing political ambition, it insisted such pursuits must not be done at the expense of the welfare of Oyo State residents.

The Save Oyo Movement declared it will formally petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), demanding a full investigation into the utilisation of the explosion relief funds.

The allegations by the Save Oyo Movement have once again brought the management of public funds and the priority of governance in Oyo State under scrutiny.