By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Oyo state government has dismissed recent criticisms made bbya legal luminary, Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, SAN, describing his political commentaries and attacks against Governor Seyi Makinde and his administration as a calculated campaign of falsehoods and personal vendettas.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government cautioned that while the senior advocate is free to support any political candidate, he has “no licence to twist facts or manufacture falsehoods to justify his political choices.”
Reminding the critic that “lies have short legs,” the state government asserted that unsubstantiated allegations cannot outrun the visible achievements of the current administration.
Addressing specific claims made by Mr. Adebayo regarding infrastructure, the administration clarified that the Ogbere–Amuloko–Akanran–Ilaji–Ogun State border road is part of a World Bank–supported rural access corridor governed by strict procurement, environmental, and phased implementation schedules.
Rejecting allegations that the project was abandoned for political reasons, the government emphasized that no World Bank project can be “abandoned to spite” any individual or undermine a private enterprise, noting that road prioritization remains strictly anchored on public interest, economic value, and technical feasibility.
The statement also refuted allegations concerning the diversion of local government funds, explaining that the joint funding of strategic roads between the state and local councils is entirely lawful, necessary, and often the only practical mechanism to deliver major infrastructure beyond individual council budgets.
The government highlighted that local governments across the state continue to function, pay salaries, execute projects, and operate under democratically elected leadership following council elections conducted by the administration.
Responding to criticisms targeted at the health, education, and security sectors, the government rejected Mr. Adebayo’s description of state hospitals as “pigsty,” calling it disrespectful to healthcare workers who operate within renovated facilities supported by the upgraded Oyo State Health Insurance Agency.
In education, the administration pointed to measurable gains, including improved WAEC performances, increased school enrollment, the recruitment of more teachers than any previous administration, and the historic resolution of long-standing operational issues at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
Furthermore, the statement emphasized that Oyo State remains significantly safer due to continuous investments in the Amotekun corps, enhanced logistical support for federal security agencies, and the repositioning of the Security Trust Fund.
Reiterating that Governor Makinde welcomes constructive, fact-based scrutiny, the government concluded that the people of Oyo State remain discerning and appreciative of ongoing governance reforms, expressing full confidence that tangible development results will ultimately triumph over politically motivated outbursts.
