Makinde committed to transparency on Cheshire Home land — Aide

The Oyo State Government has said Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to transparency and public interest in the management of public assets, including the Cheshire Home land in Eleyele, Ibadan, the state capital.

The government described the claim by the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation regarding the land as unfortunate, misleading and designed to create anxiety.

The Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said this in a statement released on Tuesday, made available to journalists in Ibadan.

The statement read, “Still smarting from the comprehensive dismantling of its ill-founded narratives by the Oyo State gubernatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Honourable Bimbo Adekanmbi, during last Saturday’s radio interview, the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has predictably retreated to its familiar tactics of alarmism, distortion, and unfounded allegations. Its latest claim regarding the Cheshire Home land in Eleyele is merely the latest chapter in that well-worn playbook

The statement is unfortunate, misleading, and clearly the product of a jaded imagination. It is designed to create unnecessary anxiety among residents of Oyo State over a matter on which the government has neither taken any secret decision nor acted outside the law.

It is surprising that SSACO has chosen to construct an entire narrative around speculation and unverified claims rather than facts. The statement is replete with assumptions, accusations, and political rhetoric, yet conspicuously devoid of evidence.”

According to the government, the Makinde-led administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to transparency, responsible asset management and the expansion of public infrastructure.

Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transparency, responsible asset management, and the expansion of public infrastructure across Oyo State. Since 2019, this administration has invested heavily in the rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, road networks, security infrastructure, and other public facilities. This record speaks far louder than politically motivated conjecture,” the statement said.

It noted that those now presenting themselves as defenders of public assets remained silent while public assets suffered neglect.

“It is therefore ironic that those who remained silent while public assets suffered years of neglect now seek to posture as defenders of the people’s commonwealth. The people of Oyo State are discerning enough to distinguish between genuine concern and political opportunism,” it said.

The government stressed that all decisions on government land and property were guided by due process and public interest.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Makinde fully understands that public assets belong to the people of Oyo State. Every decision taken by his administration regarding government land and property is guided by due process, public interest, and the developmental needs of the state. At no point has the Governor treated public assets as personal possessions, as SSACO insinuates,” it stated.

It added, “The Makinde administration remains firmly focused on its agenda of sustainable development, economic expansion, and improved service delivery for the people of Oyo State. The Governor will not be distracted by baseless accusations or attempts to politicise governance.

“While constructive criticism remains welcome in a democratic society, it must be anchored in truth, facts, and evidence. The people of Oyo State deserve informed public discourse, not speculation disguised as public advocacy

We therefore urge SSACO and its sponsors to engage issues of governance with the responsibility, sincerity, and factual accuracy they deserve. Public debate is best served when it is driven by facts rather than political theatrics.”