The Oyo State Government has denied a claim that it spent ₦683m to purchase two vehicles, declaring that it was false, misleading, and inconsistent with the financial records cited.
A report by an online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, had indicated that the state government spent ₦683.7 million to purchase two vehicles, a Toyota Camry (2004) and a Toyota Hiace 10-seater bus.
Oyo govt speaks on claim of ₦683m vehicle purchase
However, the state government debunked the claim in a release, on Wednesday, by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the media aide to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.
It further stated that the “claim is not only false, it is a textbook example of sensationalism built on a misreading of official documents.”
Stating what it described as the facts, the government further declared: “The ₦683.7m figure is not a vehicle procurement cost.
“The amount appears under the budget line titled Advertisement and Publicity Awareness for the Public.
“This is a programme‑level expenditure, covering multiple activities and components.
“The vehicles mentioned in the report were merely part of the programme’s logistics, not standalone purchases valued at ₦683m.
“The audited financial statement does not assign ₦683m to two vehicles.
“Sahara Reporters’ article admits that the document “does not provide a breakdown of how much was spent on the Toyota Camry and the Hiace bus.
“[It] does not state the individual prices,” and “does not indicate whether other expenses were included.”
The government stated that despite these admissions, the online media outlet published a headline that contradicted the content of the document.
“Actual vehicle procurement figures in the same report show normal market‑aligned pricing.
“The audited statement lists: Toyota Coaster (30‑seater, 2015): ₦140 million, Toyota Hiace Hummer Bus (2021): ₦156.95 million, Toyota Corolla (2019/2020): ₦28.98 million and ₦50.71 million
“These figures demonstrate that the government’s procurement practices follow standard pricing.
“It is therefore illogical to suggest that the state paid ₦683m for a 2004 Camry and a 10‑seater Hiace.”
The state government also averred that the Sahara Reporters’ headline was nothing but a distortion built on assumption, rather than evidence.
“No line item in the audited financial statement supports the claim that Oyo State spent ₦683m on two vehicles. The public deserves accurate information, not sensationalism,” it was added.
It was further stated that the ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration in Oyo State remained committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management.
“Our audited financial statements are publicly available and prepared in accordance with statutory requirements.
“We welcome scrutiny, but such scrutiny must be grounded in facts.
“The claim that Oyo State spent ₦683m to purchase two vehicles is false, misleading, and inconsistent with the financial records cited.
“We urge media organisations to uphold professional standards and avoid misrepresenting government documents,” the Oyo State Government declared.
