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The African Action Congress (AAC) has raised serious concerns over the recent approval of ₦63.4 billion by the Oyo State Government for the renovation of the Government House in Ibadan, describing the move as a “deliberate inflation of costs aimed at padding the state’s budget.”
In a statement issued by the party’s state spokesperson, the AAC criticized Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for what it termed “extravagant and unjustifiable spending” on a project that, according to the party, lacks transparency and fails to reflect the economic realities faced by ordinary citizens.
“This is not just a renovation; it is a brazen attempt to siphon public funds under the guise of infrastructure upgrade,” the AAC said. “At a time when schools, hospitals, and rural roads are in dire need of attention, allocating ₦63.4 billion to refurbish a government residence is both insensitive and irresponsible.”
The Oyo State Executive Council had earlier defended the decision, citing the dilapidated state of the Government House and the need to complete a banquet hall ahead of the state’s 50th anniversary in 2026. Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated that the governor and his deputy had been residing in their private homes due to the poor condition of the official quarters.
However, the AAC insists that the timing and scale of the project raise red flags. “This administration is nearing the end of its tenure, and such a massive expenditure at this point suggests ulterior motives,” the party added.
The AAC has called for an independent audit of the proposed renovation and urged civil society organizations and anti-corruption agencies to scrutinize the project’s procurement process.