Oyo Govt accuses FG of politicising Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road flag-off

The Oyo State Government has accused the Federal Government of deliberately excluding Governor Seyi Makinde from the flag-off ceremony of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation project in the state.

The ceremony was held on Monday at Idi Ayunre in Oluyole Local Government Area, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Works David Umahi, Oyo State APC governorship candidate Senator Sharafadeen Alli and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, among those in attendance.

In a statement issued by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state government described Makinde’s alleged exclusion as politically motivated and accused the organisers of taking politics too far.

Oyelade said the event failed to reflect the importance of the road project because of what he described as a “desperate political undertone” allegedly fuelled by a lack of political sagacity and confidence.

The commissioner also rejected claims that Makinde was not invited because he was on leave, arguing that the governor’s absence could have been covered by the Acting Governor, who was available to represent the state.

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According to Oyelade, Makinde remained unperturbed by the development but was concerned that the flag-off of a major infrastructure project had allegedly been turned into a political gathering.

He said the state government welcomed the commencement of the road project but expected the event to be conducted in a manner that recognised the constitutional role of the state government.

“The course of 2027 is set, and no level of indecorum or desperation from whatever quarters will hold back the will of the people,” Oyelade said.

The commissioner’s statement, electronically signed and dated August 24, 2026, did not indicate whether the Oyo State Government would take any further action over the alleged exclusion.

The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road is a major link between Oyo and Ogun states and is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate movement between the two states when completed.