The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has strongly criticised Governor Seyi Makinde for approving a N63.5 billion budget to renovate the Agodi Government House. The party described the decision as extravagant, insensitive, and a misuse of public resources, warning that such spending could worsen the state’s economic situation.
The State Executive Council had announced the budget last week, alongside an additional N132 million to hire gardeners for the governor’s residence and N14.3 billion for an Instrument Landing System at Ladoke Akintola Airport.
APC’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, issued a statement over the weekend accusing the governor of disrespecting the people of Oyo. He alleged that Makinde had defended the renovation cost by proposing to buy two aircraft for aerial surveillance. According to Sadare, many Nigerians, including those abroad, have condemned the plan, seeing it as another example of reckless spending on projects that offer little value to the public.
The party also recalled a past complaint from 2019 when the state reportedly produced exercise books at N2,100 each, calling it another sign of financial waste under Makinde’s leadership.
APC questioned the need for such an expensive renovation, especially since the Government House was last upgraded in 2017 under former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. It claimed the governor’s recent address to lawmakers was an attempt to justify what they described as clear corruption and poor governance.
The statement also accused Makinde of splitting contracts related to the Alakia Airport upgrade, pointing to earlier allocations of N10 billion and now N14.3 billion for the same project.
Regarding the planned aircraft purchases, APC argued that the move could be a cover to divert funds, warning that it might end with just one second-hand jet being used for private travel. The party insisted that Oyo State does not need aircraft to fight crime, but rather collaboration among security agencies, better tools, and proper motivation for security personnel.
