The Oyo State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly criticized Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for approving over ₦64 billion for the renovation of the Government House in Agodi, Ibadan, describing the decision as “outrageous and unreasonable.”
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the party’s state chairman, Kayode Babayomi, the AAC condemned the move as a gross misplacement of priorities, accusing the state government of budget padding and systemic corruption.
According to Babayomi, the proposed renovation cost is ₦5 billion more than the entire healthcare budget earmarked to serve over 7 million people in the state.
He added that the amount also surpasses the education budget for the entire 2023 fiscal year, which he said underscores what he termed “blatant disregard for essential public services.”
“It is sad that, amid the numerous challenges facing the people of Oyo, Makinde chooses to prioritize this extravagant renovation of the government house,” the statement read.
“He claims that the government house is ‘embarrassing and unbefitting.’ However, what is truly unbefitting of the state is the condition of our primary and secondary schools, and what is embarrassing is the deplorable standard of healthcare available to our people.”
The AAC noted that rather than improve public welfare, the increased allocations from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) are being diverted to wasteful projects. Babayomi argued that constructing an entirely new Government House from scratch should not cost half of the amount currently budgeted for the renovation.
“You don’t need a professional engineer or builder to tell you that this situation reflects a clear case of budget padding and systemic corruption,” Babayomi said. “This government is focusing on trivial matters while neglecting critical issues.”
The AAC further emphasized that the essence of governance lies in improving the standard of living for citizens and not in the beautification of administrative buildings.
“We, in the African Action Congress, assert that the true development of a state is not measured by grand buildings but by the quality of life of its people. This is the only standard by which both the public and future generations will assess their leaders.”
Calling on the public to demand accountability and transparency, the party urged residents of Oyo State to mobilize and challenge the status quo.
“Makinde’s priorities do not align with the well-being of the people of Oyo State. We must continue to organize ourselves to remove these corrupt individuals from our political landscape,” the statement concluded.