Oyo APC demands Makinde’s impeachment over LG autonomy breach
By Adejayan Gbenga
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called for the impeachment of Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of flouting the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy and mismanaging funds meant for the 33 local government councils in the state.
In a statement issued over the weekend in Ibadan, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, decried the state of neglect in many communities, blaming the situation on the alleged refusal of the governor to grant local governments access to their constitutionally guaranteed funds.
“To say the least, it is the height of power abuse and brazen disregard for the Constitution for a governor to defy a declarative judgment of the Supreme Court,” the party stated. “Governor Makinde’s continued control of local government allocations shows clear contempt for the principle of separation of powers.”
The party alleged that since May 2019, Makinde has hijacked monthly federal allocations meant for local governments, thereby crippling development efforts across towns and rural communities in the state.
“This explains why most areas outside the state capital, such as Iwere-Ile, Iresa-Adu, Igangan, Ago-Amodu, and Lanlate, have seen little or no government presence in recent years,” the statement read.
The APC further questioned the rationale behind using funds meant for councils in regions like Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa to finance projects in Ibadan, including bus terminals and statues, while council chairmen are allegedly denied access to their funds.
According to the APC, Makinde’s actions amount to a violation of his oath of office and warrant immediate legislative action. “It has been established that the governor breached the Constitution. Therefore, we call on the people to urge their representatives in the House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings.”
The party emphasized that the demand was necessary to safeguard democracy and restore governance at the grassroots.
