The Special Adviser on Media to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, has described the Senator Sarafadeen Alli Campaign Organization (SSACO) of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s criticism of the governor’s recent media chat as reckless and irresponsible.
This was as he stated that the opposition’s position defies the principles of accountability and transparency in a democratic governance.
Olanrewaju, who was reacting to the APC’s description of the governor’s media engagement as a “waste of time,” said the criticism exposed the party’s discomfort with an administration willing to engage citizens and answer questions about its stewardship.
In a press statement on Tuesday, the governor’s aide maintained that direct engagement between elected leaders and the people was a fundamental component of democratic governance, insisting that Makinde’s media chat provided an opportunity to address issues of public concern.
He said: “In every functioning democracy, a leader engaging directly with the citizens who entrusted him with their mandate is never a waste of time; it is the lifeblood of accountability, transparency, and responsible governance.”
According to him, the APC’s reaction indicated that the party had departed from the democratic values it ought to uphold, arguing that criticism of an open engagement with citizens raised questions about its commitment to accountability.
Olanrewaju stated that the governor addressed critical issues during the media chat, including security, infrastructure development, financial management and local government administration, contrary to the opposition’s claims.
He attributed Oyo State’s reported first-place ranking in democratic governance nationwide to the administration’s commitment to listening to the people, responding to public concerns and maintaining accessibility.
On security, the media aide faulted the APC for allegedly downplaying the state government’s efforts, stressing that security remained a shared responsibility between federal and state authorities.
He said the Makinde administration had taken proactive measures to strengthen the state’s security architecture, including reinforcing the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, expanding patrol capacity, upgrading communication systems, acquiring surveillance aircraft and deepening collaboration with federal security agencies.
These measures, he argued, had contributed to a significant reduction in major crime indices compared with levels recorded before Makinde assumed office in 2019.
“To deny these gains is not opposition, it is deliberate blindness,” he said.
Olanrewaju also dismissed the APC’s allegation that the Makinde administration lacked economic direction, insisting that the state’s economic performance could be assessed through measurable indicators, including internally generated revenue, private investment and infrastructure development.
He said Oyo State had recorded substantial growth in internally generated revenue since 2019, while private investments in agribusiness and other sectors had continued to increase.
The governor’s aide identified the Moniya–Iseyin Road, Ogbomoso–Iseyin Road and Ibadan Circular Road projects as major infrastructure investments expected to improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and open up new development corridors across the state.
He also cited the planned upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standards as part of the administration’s efforts to expand economic opportunities and strengthen the state’s connection to the global economy.
According to him, these developments, alongside other interventions, contributed to Oyo State’s reported first-place ranking in liveability in Nigeria, which he said reflected improvements in infrastructure, economic stability and overall quality of life.
The media aide equally rejected the allegation that Makinde had become disconnected from the grassroots, pointing to regular town hall meetings, media engagements, empowerment programmes and the restoration of local government elections as evidence of the administration’s inclusive approach to governance.
He argued that these initiatives demonstrated the government’s willingness to engage residents and provide avenues for participation in public affairs.
“The claim that Governor Makinde is disconnected from the grassroots is not just inaccurate, it is also illogical,” Olanrewaju said.
He added that the allegation that the media chat was politically motivated was unfounded, describing the engagement as part of the governor’s routine accountability mechanism designed to keep residents informed about government policies, programmes and activities.
“The APC’s attempt to politicise a transparent engagement with the people says a lot about the party’s warped understanding of democratic values,” he stated.
Olanrewaju further maintained that the state’s reported national recognitions in democratic governance and liveability provided external validation of the administration’s performance, arguing that progress in security, infrastructure, education, economic expansion and democratic reforms should be assessed on the basis of results rather than political rhetoric.
He said the administration remained focused on delivering development to the people of Oyo State, regardless of the opposition’s criticism.
“If the APC cannot recognise these achievements, it is not because the progress is invisible, it is because the party has chosen to shut its eyes. But Oyo State is moving forward, with or without its approval,” he said.
The governor’s aide concluded that leadership should be judged by its impact on citizens rather than the volume of political criticism it attracts.
“Leadership is measured by impact, not noise; and in Oyo State today, the impact speaks louder than the APC ever will,” Olanrewaju added.