The Oyo Global Forum (OGF) has raised serious concerns over the Oyo State Executive Council’s recent approval of infrastructure projects worth over ₦113 billion, accusing the state government of sidelining Oyo Federal Constituency in the distribution of resources. The projects, which focus on road construction and rehabilitation across various parts of the state, have left the Oyo Zone—comprising AFIJIO, Atiba, Oyo East, and Oyo West Local Government Areas—without a single allocation, a pattern the OGF describes as “troubling.”
In a statement signed by OGF Chairman Taiwo Adebayo, the forum acknowledged the importance of infrastructure for economic growth but decried the neglect of Oyo Federal Constituency, where roads are in deplorable condition. “During recent visits to communities in the Oyo Zone, OGF witnessed firsthand the daily struggles of residents with poor access roads, some of which are entirely cut off, severely impacting economic activity and forcing residents to bear exorbitant vehicle repair costs,” Adebayo said. He noted that these expenses divert funds that could have been used for education and healthcare.
The OGF also highlighted abandoned critical projects in the Oyo Zone, including the State Hospital and agricultural silos, which are vital for healthcare delivery and agricultural transformation but have been left in disrepair for years. The forum criticized the lack of transparency and inclusivity in the state’s budgeting process, arguing that public spending decisions appear to exclude proper consultation and equitable distribution.
The statement comes amid the state government’s controversial ₦300 billion loan proposal. The OGF emphasized that while borrowing can be a legitimate tool for development, the repayment burden will fall on all citizens, making it unjust for the benefits to be unevenly distributed. “The government must ensure that resources and projects funded by such loans are equitably allocated across all zones,” Adebayo urged.
The OGF called on Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s administration to address these disparities by ensuring fair distribution of infrastructure projects, enhancing transparency in public finance processes, and clearly communicating how loan funds and resources are allocated to build trust and accountability. Additionally, the forum urged lawmakers representing the Oyo Zone to hold the government accountable and advocate for the needs of their constituents.
The OGF’s statement has sparked renewed calls for inclusive governance and equitable resource allocation in Oyo State, as residents of the Oyo Federal Constituency continue to grapple with deteriorating infrastructure and limited access to essential services.