The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has strongly condemned the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing the state government of exploiting the people for the benefit of certain individuals and cliques under the guise of executing developmental projects. This criticism comes in the wake of the demolition of the Araromi Agodi-Gate Spare Parts Market in Ibadan, where traders lost goods and property worth billions of naira.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Oyo APC’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, expressed outrage over the destruction of the market, which was carried out by agents of the state government.
The demolition was allegedly done to clear the way for contractors planning to convert the area into shopping malls, a move that the APC claims is part of an ongoing pattern of land grabs by the Makinde administration.
Traders at the Araromi Agodi-Gate market, a popular commercial hub in Ibadan, lamented the loss of their livelihoods, as their wares were destroyed in the demolition. Many of the traders have expressed frustration, noting that the government’s actions have left them without a means of income, with no alternative provisions made for them.
Oyo APC also criticized the administration over the recent arrest and remand of 12 artisans who were detained at the Agodi Correctional Center last week. These individuals were reportedly incarcerated after posting a video on social media in which they protested the forced takeover of land that had been home to their workshop along the New Ife Road. The APC called for their immediate release, condemning the government’s actions as excessive.
In its statement, Oyo APC accused Governor Makinde and his administration of taking land grabbing to a dangerous new level, moving from the forcible seizure of land and dislodging of residents to imprisoning those who protest against it.
According to the APC, more than one million residents of Ibadan have been displaced over the past five years, with no compensation or alternative arrangements provided. The party listed several areas affected, including Iwo Road, Ojoo, Challenge, Agodi-Gate, Adegbayi, Orita-Challenge, and Apata.
“The vicious circle of land grabbing is taking a dangerous dimension in Oyo state,” said the APC in its statement. “Gov. Makinde and his agents have moved from the forceful takeover of valued land assets to ‘Operation Grab-the-land-and-jail-the-owner.’ This is callous, reckless, and despotic behavior.”
The APC further criticized Governor Makinde for his apparent hypocrisy, recalling his vocal opposition to the actions of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, particularly regarding the demolition of commercial properties ahead of the 2019 elections.
The party accused Makinde of exploiting similar situations for political gain but now, according to the APC, showing his true nature in handling the issues of the market traders and artisans.
The statement also raised concerns over the manner in which the state government has handled the demolition at Araromi Agodi-Gate. The APC questioned why the government chose to carry out the demolition on a holiday declared by the market authorities, adding that the destruction has caused immense hardship for the traders.
The party called for the immediate return of the traders’ shops and adequate compensation for those who suffered losses in the demolition.
“Denying people access to places where they make their living is not only cruel but also irresponsible,” the statement continued. “Gov. Makinde should compensate the victims of the demolition and ensure that their businesses are restored.”
Oyo APC also warned that unless the governor changes his approach, more citizens may rise up to challenge his actions, particularly in light of concerns over poorly conceived projects, inflated contract sums, resource diversion, and cronyism.
The party urged prominent figures within and outside the state to intervene and press for the release of the 12 artisans, asserting that their only crime was voicing their frustration over the seizure of their livelihoods.