Questions surrounding Oyo State governance accountability have intensified after a local advocacy group alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde spent N2 billion on a Ibadan political summit.
The Save Oyo Movement (SOM) claims this event in Ibadan marks another instance of financial mismanagement within the state administration.
The group argued that funds intended for public welfare are being diverted to satisfy the personal political goals of Governor Seyi Makinde. According to the SOM, the governor is prioritising his ambition to become a vice-presidential candidate over the needs of his constituents.
Investigating Allegations of Ibadan Political Summit Spending
The Ibadan political summit has become a lightning rod for criticism. The SOM alleges that this event cost the state treasury N2 billion, a figure they believe is exorbitant for a political gathering. The group has now called for immediate intervention from federal anti-corruption agencies.
In a formal statement released on Sunday, the coordinator of the SOM, Comrade Akeem Oladiti, expressed deep concern regarding the state of local finances. The group explicitly called for an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission (ICPC).
The SOM noted their intention to file formal petitions with these bodies soon. They questioned the management of the N30 billion received from the Federal Government for victims of the January 2024 Ibadan explosion. The group alleges that instead of supporting victims, the administration has kept the money to fund political pursuits.
Scrutiny of Public Fund Expenditure and Priorities
Public discourse has centered on the transparency of public fund expenditure under the current administration. The SOM alleges that the governor has already spent over N10 billion from the federal relief funds. They contend this money is being used to build political alliances across the nation.
Specific financial claims made by the group include the following:
- Over N5 billion spent on the November 15 and 16, 2025, PDP National Convention in Ibadan.
- Another N1.5 billion allocated for a failed coronation ceremony involving Ibadan high chiefs.
Regarding the coronation, the group stated: “The main target of his coronation was Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who is being touted as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, forgetting that being a traditional ruler does not prevent anyone from aspiring into public offices.”
The group suggests that the governor’s recent political manoeuvres are a response to his fading influence. They claim the summit was a desperate attempt to revive his vice-presidential ambitions.
“Now, mindful of his dwindled political fortune, Governor Makinde hurriedly organised the political summit held in Ibadan yesterday (Saturday), just to sell his ambition to be vice presidential candidate; and on it, over N2 billion Oyo State money was spent,” the group noted.
The SOM insists it does not oppose the governor having political ambitions. However, they argue that his personal pursuits must not compromise the welfare of the people.
“Even though we are not against the governor, or anyone having political ambition and pursuing it, but it must not be at the expense of the welfare of the people of Oyo State. And on this one, we will do all that we can to make Governor Makinde account for his wasteful spending of the state funds,” the party said.
The citizens of Oyo State now wait to see if the EFCC or ICPC will launch a formal probe into these serious allegations of financial impropriety.
