Makinde Cries Foul Over Ijebu-Ode Road Flag-Off Exclusion || David Oluokun
By David Oluokun
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed displeasure over his exclusion from the flag-off ceremony of the Ijebu-Ode road project, describing the development as a deliberate political snub.
Makinde, who allegedly spoke while addressing party stakeholders in Ibadan, said the decision to leave him out of the event was unfortunate and could send the wrong signal about inclusiveness in governance.
He said: “In everything we give thanks to God. But it is unfortunate that I was deliberately left out of the Ijebu-Ode road project flag-off. Projects that affect our people should not be reduced to politics.”
The governor’s reaction has sparked fresh political discussions in Oyo State, particularly against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Makinde, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term as governor, has continued to attract speculation over his political plans beyond 2027, including his alleged ambition to retain political influence in the state and possibly seek the presidency.
Critics have also alleged that the governor is seeking to build a political structure through the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), with its governorship candidate in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, mentioned as a key figure in the alleged plan.
The Ijebu-Ode road project was flagged off on Monday by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, while Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony.
The event attracted prominent personalities from across the South-West, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Oyo State APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, among other dignitaries.
While Makinde’s supporters argued that governors should be carried along in major federal projects affecting their states, his opponents maintained that invitations to federal project ceremonies remained at the discretion of the project owners and the Federal Government.
The governor’s absence has subsequently become a subject of discussion among residents, political actors and commentators in Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode, with the development generating reactions across radio programmes and social media platforms.
Written by Elder David Oluokun
