Oyo Records Fresh Strides in Governance and Infrastructure

This tradition of officially transmitting power, popularised by Governor Makinde, reflects his commitment to due process and continuity in governance. The arrangement has ensured that government activities have continued seamlessly, with significant decisions taken over the last three weeks.

Among the key highlights was the approval of several major road projects by the State Executive Council under the Acting Governor. These include:

Dualisation of the 13.6km Ojoo Interchange–IITA–Moniya Junction–Akinyele Road.

Dualisation of the 6.2km Ajia Junction–Nigeria Air Force Base Road.

Reconstruction of the 30km Okaka Junction–Otu–Igbojaye–KAP Film Village road with bridges across Otu and Ofiki Rivers.

Expansion of the Apete–Awotan–Akufo Road (12km) and an additional 2.2km of rigid pavement at Akufo Farm Settlement.

Asphaltic construction of Isaba–Ogundoyin and Lanlate–Polytechnic Roads in Eruwa.

Thermoplastic road marking, kerb painting and patching across Ibadan metropolis.

These approvals have brought relief to residents, especially communities long waiting for infrastructure attention. Projects like the dualisation of Ojoo–IITA–Moniya Road and the reconstruction of Okaka–Otu–KAP Film Village road have been widely celebrated as signs of Governor Makinde’s inclusive governance style, ensuring even rural areas benefit from development.

However, controversy trailed the government’s move to refinance an existing N149 billion facility with a new N151 billion loan package aimed at supporting ongoing infrastructure projects. Opposition groups, particularly the APC, accused the government of seeking a fresh N300 billion loan, sparking protests and media debates.

Critics, including APC’s Shola Abegunde, dismissed the government’s intentions, suggesting the “rain of good governance” in Oyo would soon end. Yet, residents have largely dismissed these claims, recalling the opposition’s unimpressive track record of road construction and project delivery during its eight-year rule.

In contrast, Governor Makinde’s administration has turned Oyo into a hub of construction and innovation, with the Ibadan Circular Road progressing rapidly and other projects transforming both urban and rural communities.

Notable voices such as Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of Ibadan Mogajis, have lauded the governor’s achievements, citing road projects across Ibadan and beyond, employment opportunities through transparent recruitment, and investments in agribusiness, tourism, and mineral development.

Today, Oyo State will also make history as the first subnational government in Africa to launch an African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation strategy, further strengthening its position in trade and economic growth.

While critics continue to cast doubts, residents of Oyo State are witnessing first-hand the impact of Makinde’s people-centred leadership. And for them, the rain of good governance is far from over.