APC and PDP in Oyo State clash over alleged N2.9bn funding for 50th anniversary, with PDP defending the celebration as legal and voluntary

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration engaged in a heated exchange over the financing of the state’s 50th anniversary, with the opposition alleging that about N2.9 billion was improperly sourced from local government allocations.

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The APC, through its Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, claimed that Governor Makinde compelled the 33 local government chairmen to contribute N90 million each from their federal allocations, totaling approximately N2.97 billion, to fund the event.

The party described the anniversary as a “shambolic and poorly organised exercise,” questioning the justification for such a high expenditure on an air show, awards, Ankara souvenirs, and novelty football matches.

Sadare accused the governor of using public funds to sustain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing previous spending on a national convention, party secretariats, and vehicles for party leaders.

In response, the PDP’s Oyo State Public Relations Officer, Michael Ogunsina, dismissed the APC’s claims as baseless and politically motivated.

He argued that the Oyo @50 celebration aimed to highlight the state’s history, cultural diversity, and development, with the involvement of local government chairmen being voluntary and in the state’s interest.

Ogunsina described the anniversary as grand and successful, attracting national and international personalities. He insisted that no local government chairmen were coerced into making contributions and accused the APC of politicising a historic milestone for partisan purposes.

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The Oyo @50 celebration commemorated the creation of the state on February 3, 1976, and showcased achievements across Ibadan, Oyo, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa regions following the creation of Osun State in 1991.