The Speaker of Oyo state House of Assembly, Honorable Adebo Ogundoyin, has categorically dismissed fears of victimization of members, particularly as the political season approaches ahead of 2027 general election.
This comes as a reaction to speculations of internal rifts within the Assembly, alleging of planned victimization plot at the resumed plenary sitting of the House after its six weeks recess.
Speaking, Ogundoyin stressed that the people who elected the lawmakers deserve adequate representation at the legislative chamber, assuring that they will not be denied that right as a result of any misbehavior by any lawmaker.
“The mandate we carry was given by our constituencies, not by the executive or the legislature. It would be irresponsible of us to deprive innocent people of proper representation,” he said.
He however cautioned against attempts by lawmakers to use the Assembly as a platform for political sympathy.
“If you are trying to use this House as leverage because of lapses in your constituency representation, scrap that plan. Go back, engage your people, move motions, summon commissioners, and push for projects. That is how democracy works,” he declared.
Ogundoyin urged lawmakers to see themselves as partners in progress rather than rivals, stressing that the real challenge before them is mobilizing limited resources to accelerate development in Oyo State.
“We are all brothers and sisters. We are not each other’s enemies. Our common enemy is the lack of resources for development. We must confront that together,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Assembly’s independence and responsibility saying:
“The Oyo State House of Assembly is a responsible institution. We will not be dragged low by anyone seeking to use it for political advantage.
“Work hard, face your constituencies, and you will return here,” Ogundoyin concluded.
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, on Tuesday delivered an extensive address as the 10th Assembly resumed plenary after a six-week recess, stressing the importance of infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and unity among lawmakers in the pursuit of rapid development for the state.
The Speaker also noted that development cannot be achieved by merely focusing on revenue generation without providing the necessary infrastructure to drive growth.
“Without adequate infrastructure, you cannot expect that we start mopping up money from the people,” Ogundoyin stated. “That means the people will suffer for what we are trying to achieve without even giving them infrastructure for rapid development.”
Addressing concerns about the state’s debt profile, the Speaker cited figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO), emphasizing that Oyo State has remained prudent in contracting foreign obligations compared to its Southwest counterparts.
According to him, Oyo currently holds $52.8 million in foreign debt, the lowest in the region, compared to Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Osun States.
“This is not my record. It is publicly available on the DMO website. Lagos tops the list with over a billion dollars in foreign debt, Ogun follows with nearly $200 million, while Ekiti and Osun are above $70 million each. Oyo, as a responsible government, is at the bottom with only $52.8 million,” he explained.
On domestic debt, Ogundoyin said Lagos leads with ₦874 billion, followed by Ogun with ₦190 billion, Osun with ₦83.8 billion, while Oyo ranks fourth in the region.
The Speaker drew parallels between Ogun State’s development strategy and Oyo’s current infrastructural projects, particularly along the Ibadan–Iseyin and Ibadan Circular Road corridors.
He recalled how Ogun State displaced settlers along the Lagos–Sagamu Expressway years ago to pave way for industries, which today serve as a major source of its internally generated revenue.
“We are doing the same thing with the Ibadan Circular Road, but some people are still short-sighted. Imagine industries across that corridor, directly connected to dry ports, the north, and the ports.
“Ibadan is a transit state, and His Excellency’s vision is to transform that advantage into economic prosperity,” Ogundoyin stressed.
Following his remarks, the House resumed legislative business, with a motion duly moved and seconded.