The African Action Congress (AAC) in Oyo State has taken note of the recent announcement from the Makinde-led PDP government regarding a newly formed committee aimed at compensating the victims of land grabbing and property demolitions associated with the Ibadan circular road project.
First and foremost, we want to emphasize that this move is a direct result of the tireless efforts from land and property owners, as well as the unwavering support of the AAC and TIB, standing in solidarity with those affected and other concerned Nigerians who have voiced their grievances.
It is essential to clarify that we are not unfamiliar with Makinde’s tactics and media sleights aimed at misleading the public. Like his colleagues in the legacy parties, he tends to create committees for various issues without producing meaningful outcomes. Makinde could form a committee to deliberate on something as trivial as how the governor might deal with his stomach upset and defecation—more often than not, these committees simply exist in name and for media show, and nothing substantial ever comes from them, the people forgets overtime and the circle continues.
For instance, in January 2024, Makinde established a committee to investigate the Bodija bomb blast, led by Prof. Tolulope Alonge. While the committee submitted its report to the governor and he subsequently presented it to the president in Abuja, that was where the matter ended. In 2021, he constituted a judicial committee to address the well-known #ENDSARS exposed murders, headed by retired Justice Badejoko Adeniji. Despite the committee submitting its findings over three years ago, there has been no further communication from the Agodi emperor. There have been numerous such committees with no results; this pattern from the Makinde-led PDP government must come to an end.
We urge the affected residents to stay strong and not fall for the governor’s usual ploys. It is crucial that this committee fulfills its purpose and that justice is ultimately served.
Lastly, we call upon the good people of Oyo State to keep raising their voices and demanding justice and accountability from all authorities whenever their rights are being violated, whether it’s at the hands of the Agodi emperor and his agents or your neighbor in Ibarapa and Ogbomoso or anyone for that matter. Continuous advocacy for good governance is important for building a better Nigeria. Aluta continua!
Signed,
Kayode Babayomi
Oyo State AAC Chairman
