The Oyo State government on Monday, August 24, decried its exclusion from the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode highway by the Federal Government, saying it’s politics taken too far.
What was even worrisome to the government was that the flag-off event was held at Idi Ayunre in the Ibadan end of the over 80-kilometre highway and the Ogun State government was invited to the ceremony.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as well as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Sarafadeen Alli, were among the prominent people from Oyo State who attended the ceremony.
The state government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the whole episode fell short of its edifying billing because of the desperate political undertone borne out of a lack of sagacity and confidence.
The statement reads: “Oyo State government has decried the exclusion of the state governor from the flag-off of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, which took place in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State today.
“In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, he said the deliberate exclusion of Governor Makinde from the dualisation of the road flag-off is taking politics too far.
“Prince Oyelade said that the ceremony, which took place at Idi Ayunre and was attended by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; the APC gubernatorial candidate, Sarafadeen Alli; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, fell short of its edifying billing because of the desperate political undertone borne out of a lack of sagacity and confidence.
“According to the commissioner, the excuse that the invitation was not extended to Governor Makinde because he was on leave makes the case even more ridiculous because there is a functional acting governor on the ground.
“The Commissioner said that Governor Seyi Makinde is unperturbed and regrets that the event was reduced to 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.”
