Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has advised agitators planning to protest over hardship in the country to conduct a peaceful protest and not resort to violence or destruction of public facilities.
The governor stated that protests are within the rights of all Nigerians. He, however, said destruction of public utilities and other properties would lead government to spending resources that can be channeled to more meaningful use to fix the damage.
Makinde gave the advice while speaking at the grand finale of the 2024 Ibadan Week, organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), held on Saturday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
He said: “Nigeria could be in this situation for now. We could be experiencing anger and hunger in the land and that is why our people want to protest.
“Yes, protest is everybody’s right. But remember that we used your money to build all the structures and facilities we have put in place in this state, not mine. So, if you want to protest, it must be peaceful.
“If you begin your protest, don’t destroy government properties. Otherwise, we will have to use the money we are supposed to spend on meaningful projects to replace facilities that may get destroyed.”
Governor Makinde commended the CCII and all the leaders in Ibadanland for working towards the growth and development of the city. He said his administration has been doing its best to uplift the state capital.
Makinde added that, as part of such efforts to uplift the city, he would inaugurate a committee to steer the planned upgrade of Ibadan Airport on Tuesday. He assured that the state government would break the ground for the project in about six weeks.
He restated that there will be a new Ibadan Airport that is of international standard within 18 months.
Makinde also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for approving the Ibadan Airport upgrade.
He equally lauded the president for the approval given to Oyo State to take over the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan formerly known as Liberty Stadium.
Governor Makinde promised in a press release by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, that the stadium would wear a new look soon.
The wife of the governor, Mrs Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, was given the award of “Most Outstanding Wife of Ibadan”.
Speaking, she expressed her delight at the award, appreciating the CCII for the honour done to her and to all Ibadan people for always standing by her husband.
Deputy Governor Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal was conferred with the award of “Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan” at the event.
Speaking earlier, President-General of CCII, Chief Suleiman Ajewole, described Governor Makinde as a true son of Ibadanland and a promise-keeper.
He commended the governor for midwifing the delivery of a new Olubadan Palace.
He said: “Our governor is, indeed, a true son of Ibadanland. He has a lot of work on his table to undertake, but he is here today because today’s event is an Ibadan agenda. Personally, I appreciate him for that.
“I want to commend him, again, for handing over power to his deputy. It shows he is pleased with him and knows that he is loyal and dedicated.
“Today, 163 clubs are represented in this event. In the time of Governor Makinde, we are able to have a new palace, which has been adjudged the best palace in the whole of Africa.
“We completed it [the new Olubadan Palace] within seven months. Our governor promised us and fulfilled his promise fully. Indeed, he is a promise-keeper,” the CCII president added.
