I respect Ajimobi, but I’m concerned about financial health of Oyo State — Makinde

Oyo State governor-elect, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has said that though he respects his outgoing predecessor, Abiola Ajimobi, he is concerned about the financial implications of alleged contracts being awarded.

Makinde alleged that the Ajimobi administration has a list of road contracts for which it has released, or planning to release, almost N40bn

The incoming governor expressed doubts that the alleged projects would ever take off before May 29 when he will be sworn in.

He said, consequently, his recent comments about the scale and manner of fresh contracts being awarded by the state government in the twilight of the administration, was borne out of concern for the financial health of the state, rather than an intended attack on the person of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.


In a statement issued on his behalf by Mr. Dotun Oyelade, Makinde said he accords Ajimobi due respect, not only as governor, but also as his senior.

“But governance, being a serious business, Makinde cannot look on while direct instructions are given to local government councils to spend all monies in their care, including Stabilisation Accounts which are traditionally reserved for emergencies and natural disasters, even when there are no cases of emergency anywhere in the state,” the statement added.

The statement said that there are documents that showed the list of roads for which government has released and/or planning to release almost N40bn, but which cannot even take off before May 29.

The governor-elect again warned that not only will he reverse any fresh contracts, he will also punish anyone culpable of misdeeds.