The Oyo State Government has expressed displeasure over the exclusion of Governor Seyi Makinde from the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, which took place on Sunday in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
The state government described the governor’s exclusion from the event as taking politics too far.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government said the deliberate exclusion of Governor Makinde from the ceremony was unfortunate and politically motivated.
Oyelade said the event, held at Idi Ayunre, was attended by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; the APC governorship candidate, Sarafadeen Alli; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
According to the commissioner, the ceremony fell short of its edifying billing due to what he described as a desperate political undertone borne out of a lack of sagacity and confidence.
Oyelade also faulted the explanation that Governor Makinde was not invited because he was on leave, describing the excuse as making the situation even more ridiculous.
He noted that there is a functional Acting Governor in Oyo State who could have represented the governor at the event.
The Commissioner said Governor Makinde remains unperturbed by the development but regrets that the event was reduced to what he described as a political jamboree.
“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.
