A civic group, Save Oyo Movement (SOM), has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of spending about N2 billion on a political summit held in Ibadan on Saturday, describing the expenditure as wasteful and calling for an investigation.
The group, in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Akeem Oladiti, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to probe the alleged spending. SOM said it is preparing formal petitions to both anti-graft agencies.
According to the statement, the summit was organized for opposition political parties and allegedly funded with public resources. The group questioned the justification for such spending, especially amid economic pressures facing residents of the state.
SOM further alleged that the governor has spent more than N10 billion out of the N30 billion reportedly received from the Federal Government for victims of the January 2024 Ibadan explosion. It claimed the funds were diverted to political activities linked to Makinde’s alleged ambition to become a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.
The group also pointed to what it described as a pattern of questionable expenditures. It alleged that over N5 billion was spent on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held in Ibadan in November 2025, which it described as unsuccessful.
In addition, SOM claimed that about N1.5 billion was used for a planned coronation ceremony involving some Ibadan High Chiefs, which it said did not proceed as expected after some declined participation.
SOM argued that while political ambition is legitimate, it should not be pursued using public funds meant for governance and public welfare. It called for transparency and accountability in the management of state resources.
The group said it is not opposed to the governor’s political aspirations but insisted that such ambitions should not come at the expense of the people of Oyo State. It reiterated its plan to petition anti-corruption agencies to ensure accountability.
