Oyo APC accuses Makinde of exploiting late lawmaker’s legacy

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of using the late Hon. Olaide Akinremi’s name to cover up the alleged illegal sale and conversion of the state-owned Trans Amusement Park land in Ibadan into private estates.

Akinremi, who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency until his death in July last year, was a prominent APC member, first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. He also served on the party’s National Caretaker Committee.

In a statement on Tuesday, APC Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare alleged that Governor Makinde was exploiting Akinremi’s memory for political gain ahead of the next elections, warning that such tactics mislead voters and distort the late lawmaker’s legacy.

The party noted that the Trans Amusement Park, established over 40 years ago in Samonda, Ibadan, was designed to provide recreation and tourism facilities for residents, particularly the youth. They claimed that the governor demolished the park and sold the land to associates, including some foreigners, depriving the public of a valuable communal space.

The APC also condemned the neglect of other notable recreational sites such as Agodi Gardens and the Green Zone Reserves, once known for attracting visitors from across the globe. They warned that historic landmarks like Bower’s Tower could face similar threats if the trend continued.

Describing the recent commissioning of a gatehouse on the disputed land as “insignificant,” the party labelled the event a political stunt. It stressed that Akinremi’s true legacy lay in his empowerment initiatives and genuine development projects for his constituents.

The APC further urged the governor to desist from politicizing the late lawmaker’s name, calling instead for the preservation of public assets and protection of community heritage.

They concluded by demanding that Governor Makinde respect public property, uphold democratic processes, and restore the integrity of Oyo State’s recreational and historic sites.