IBADAN — A wave of mixed reactions has greeted the proposed N63.5 billion renovation of the Agodi Government House by Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, with opposition parties, political stakeholders, and civic voices condemning the project as extravagant and poorly timed.
The colonial-era edifice—formerly known as Oke Ebo and serving as the official residence of successive governors since the days of the defunct Western Region—is now at the center of a controversy over public spending priorities.
Governor Makinde announced the proposed overhaul during a State of the State address at the Oyo State House of Assembly, where he defended the cost amid mounting public criticism. According to him, the renovation will cover the reconstruction of buildings, roads, and adjoining chalets within the Government House premises.
“Yesterday, I trended for the wrong reasons,” Makinde admitted, referencing the online backlash. “People said we want to spend N63 billion to renovate the Government House. But the cost is largely driven by the instability in foreign exchange rates and the need for comprehensive structural upgrades.”
Makinde argued that the same economic pressures that have ballooned the cost of loan repayments—like the World Bank’s $200 million Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP)—are influencing project estimates across the board. He cited how the IUFMP debt rose from N70 billion in 2019 to N320 billion today due to exchange rate fluctuations, with monthly loan servicing costs now standing at N3 billion.
Despite the explanations, the announcement sparked immediate backlash from stakeholders, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN), and APC chieftain Engineer Hakeem Oyedele Alao.
APC: “Rescind This Reckless Decision”
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, the Oyo APC described the proposal as “the height of profligacy, insensitivity, and impunity,” warning that it could further cripple the state’s already stretched finances.
The party accused Governor Makinde of financial recklessness, pointing to earlier controversies such as the reported production of exercise books at an inflated cost in 2019, and alleged irregularities in the Alakia Airport upgrade.
“Gov. Makinde’s address was nothing but a futile attempt to cover up brazen corruption and misplaced priorities,” the statement read. “Instead of spending billions on a government house already renovated in 2017 under Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the state should focus on public needs.”
SPN: “A Glaring Example of Misplaced Priorities”
The Oyo chapter of the SPN also rejected the justification provided by the governor, describing the N63.5 billion allocation as “a glaring example of misplaced priorities.”
In a statement signed by Secretary Ayodeji Adigun, SPN faulted the administration for blaming past governments while allegedly increasing the debt burden within 15 months of taking office.
“Governor Makinde’s claim that exchange rate challenges justify such lavish spending is both weak and flawed,” the party said. “Public resources should be channeled into healthcare, education, and rural development, not luxury renovation and aircraft procurement.”
Alao to Assembly: Demand Accountability
Joining the chorus of opposition, APC chieftain Engineer Hakeem Oyedele Alao called on the Oyo State House of Assembly and citizens to demand accountability and transparency from the governor.
He accused Makinde of planning to divert funds to a project not captured in the 2025 budget, which prioritizes infrastructure (N152bn), education (N145bn), and healthcare (N59bn).
“Diverting funds to vanity projects is a betrayal of public trust,” Alao said. “At a time of economic hardship, this move shows disregard for the real needs of Oyo State residents.”
As public pressure mounts, all eyes are on the Makinde administration to either defend or reconsider the controversial project in the face of intensifying scrutiny and political pushback.
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