Opposition parties in Oyo State have strongly criticised the recent spending decisions of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, describing the move to acquire surveillance aircraft and approve several infrastructure projects as reckless, extravagant, and disconnected from the urgent needs of the people.
According to reports, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took aim at the government on Wednesday, questioning the rationale behind spending billions of naira on what they termed non-essential projects, while many areas of the state continue to suffer from underdevelopment and neglect.
IREPORT247NEWS reports that Oyo State Government announced the acquisition of two DA 42 MNG model light aircrafts to bolster security across the state, particularly in the hinterlands where illegal mining, kidnapping, and other criminal activities are rampant.
The aircraft, which cost ₦7,763,360,000 (Seven billion, seven hundred and sixty-three million, three hundred and sixty thousand naira), are equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state’s Commissioner for Information, said the aircraft are fitted with sophisticated gadgets capable of detecting criminal hideouts from both low and high altitudes.
He explained that the government chose the aircraft over helicopters due to their lower maintenance costs and the availability of spare parts. He also noted that the Nigerian Air Force already operates similar models, which allows for better synergy in operations.
The State Executive Council also approved several capital-intensive infrastructure projects. Among them is the construction of bridges, interchanges, and clearance works on the North-East and South-West sections of the 110km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road.
This alone is estimated to cost ₦83,037,000,000 (Eighty-three billion, thirty-seven million naira), especially focusing on areas around Molarere, Odo-Oba, and Abiola Ajimobi Technical University.
In addition, asphaltic improvements were approved for major roads including Secretariat Road, Trans Amusement to UI–Sango Road, and the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Road at a total cost of ₦2,327,072,134.68 (Two billion, three twenty seven million , one hundred and thirty four naira, sixty eight kobo).
The reconstruction of the Mobil–Oluyole Industrial Estate road network was also greenlit, with ₦6,801,000,000 (Six billion, eight hundred and one million naira) allocated for the project.
Moreover, the Council sanctioned a ₦595,000,000 (Five hundred and ninety-five million naira) direct intervention for the operations and maintenance of the state’s Light-Up Oyo Solar Project. Read more.
Reacting to the developments on Wednesday, opposition leaders from both the ADC and APC accused the Makinde-led administration of neglecting more urgent and people-centered issues in favour of what they termed “cosmetic” and “elitist” projects.
ADC State Chairman, Olona Yinka, described the government’s expenditure as a “clear case of misplaced priorities,” arguing that the funds could have been better utilised to address the deteriorating state of local infrastructure, education, and food insecurity.
“In all honesty, this is not what the people of Oyo State need at this critical time,” Olona stated.
“The cost of living is unbearably high. People are struggling to afford three square meals. Instead of addressing the urgent needs of the 33 local government areas, the government is spending over N7 billion on aircraft and over N63 billion on Government House renovations. That is completely unacceptable.”
He further advised the governor to channel more resources to the grassroots by empowering local government administrations and allocating funds for the rehabilitation of inner roads and dilapidated public schools.
Also speaking on the matter, the spokesperson for the APC in Oyo State, Wale Sadare, condemned the expenditure as wasteful and indicative of what he called “executive rascality.”
He argued that the projects being implemented by the state government were not tailored to address the immediate concerns of ordinary residents.
“This administration is focused on grandiose projects that do not improve the daily lives of the people,” Sadare said.
“There is no justification for this level of profligacy when most local communities lack basic infrastructure, security, and functional schools. The funds being spent could have had far-reaching impact if properly prioritised.”
Sadare called for better stakeholder engagement and urged the governor to institutionalise regular consultations with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and other community stakeholders to develop a grassroots-informed approach to governance and security.
He also proposed the creation of a Security Trust Fund to ensure consistent financial and logistical support for frontline security operatives and community-based crime prevention initiatives.