Oyo Protests Makinde’s ‘Snub’ as Tinubu Flags Off Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road Dualisation

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the reconstruction of the 56.5km Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road on Monday, bypassing Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The N297 billion road, connecting Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode, was flagged off at the Idi Ayunre end in Ibadan, attended by Gombe State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Works Minister David Umahi, and APC gubernatorial candidate Sarafadeen Alli.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and APC gubernatorial candidate Alli spoke at the ceremony, praising Tinubu for approving the dualisation of the road. Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, criticized the exclusion of Makinde, citing it as "politics taken too far." He rejected the explanation that Makinde was not invited because he was on leave, stating there was an Acting Governor who could have represented him.

Oyelade also linked the incident to the 2027 elections, saying political actions would not deter the people's decision. Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), vowed to unseat Tinubu in the 2027 election, aiming to "reset" Nigeria. Works Minister Umahi apologized for Makinde's exclusion, explaining that the Federal Controller in Oyo State said the governor had traveled.

Tinubu described the project as one of his administration's key initiatives, emphasizing its role in reducing hardship and attracting investments. The road, currently in disrepair, would be completed within 36 months, with a projected increase in GDP for the affected states. Alli highlighted the road's significance for commerce in the Southwest region, while Oba Ladoja assured that the people would reciprocate Tinubu's gesture in the 2027 election.