Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has chided the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Sharafadeen Alli, for allegedly resorting to distortion and falsehood over a reported plan to sell the Cheshire Home land, Ibadan to private investors.
The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), had alleged that the Governor Makinde administration planned to sell the Cheshire Home land to private investors, to the detriment of the state.
Alli lied over Cheshire Home Land
However, Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated in a release that, contrary to the false allegation, Makinde remained committed to transparency and public interest.
He attributed what he described as a deliberate falsehood by SSACO to a face-saving attempt to cover up the shame of its principal, following the exposé on him, last Saturday, by the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi.
“Still smarting from the comprehensive dismantling of its ill-founded narratives by the Oyo State governorship candidate of the APM, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi, during last Saturday’s radio interview, SSACO has predictably retreated to its familiar tactics of alarmism, distortion, and unfounded allegations.
“Its latest claim regarding the Cheshire Home land in Eleyele is merely the latest chapter in that well-worn playbook.
“The statement is unfortunate, misleading, and clearly the product of a jaded imagination.
“It is designed to create unnecessary anxiety among residents of Oyo State over a matter on which the government has neither taken any secret decision, nor acted outside the law.
“It is surprising that SSACO has chosen to construct an entire narrative around speculation and unverified claims, rather than facts.
“The statement is replete with assumptions, accusations, and political rhetoric, yet conspicuously devoid of evidence.
“Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transparency, responsible asset management, and the expansion of public infrastructure across Oyo State.
“Since 2019, this administration has invested heavily in the rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, road networks, security infrastructure, and other public facilities.
“This record speaks far louder than politically-motivated conjecture.
“It is, therefore, ironic that those who remained silent while public assets suffered years of neglect now seek to posture as defenders of the people’s commonwealth,” it was stated in the release.
The governor further declared that the people of the state were discerning enough to distinguish between genuine concern and political opportunism.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Makinde fully understands that public assets belong to the people of Oyo State.
“Every decision taken by his administration regarding government land and property is guided by due process, public interest, and the developmental needs of the state.
“At no point has the Governor treated public assets as personal possessions, as SSACO insinuates.
“The Makinde administration remains firmly focused on its agenda of sustainable development, economic expansion, and improved service delivery for the people of Oyo State.
“The governor will not be distracted by baseless accusations or attempts to politicise governance.
“While constructive criticism remains welcome in a democratic society, it must be anchored in truth, facts, and evidence.
“The people of Oyo State deserve informed public discourse, not speculation disguised as public advocacy.
“We, therefore, urge SSACO and its sponsors to engage issues of governance with the responsibility, sincerity, and factual accuracy they deserve.
“Public debate is best served when it is driven by facts, rather than political theatrics, Dr Olanrewaju added in the release.
