The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson in Oyo State has dismissed allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) concerning the alleged indiscriminate sale of public lands in Ibadan by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration. He labeled the claims as misguided and explained the administration’s rationale for its land development initiatives.
“Well, anybody in APC that comes to say Seyi Makinde has done well probably has mental problems. It is their job to tell us we have not done well,” the spokesperson said, adding that the lands in question were not sold outright but leased under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
He emphasized that the initiative aims to maximize the potential of underutilized spaces while generating revenue for the state. “These lands are leased to people to develop and make revenue for us. For instance, I grew up in Mokola, and I never believed that the area could be as beautiful as it is now. I recently drove around Premier Hotel and couldn’t believe the amount of space that was lying fallow.”
Defending the administration’s actions, the spokesperson cited the example of the Trans Amusement Park, which had remained a dormant project for years. “In the last five years, have you heard or seen anything come out of Trans Amusement Park? Even the past government labeled it a failed project. So why not make money from it to do better things in the state?”
He further argued that keeping large areas of undeveloped land in a rapidly growing state like Oyo is counterproductive. “This state is the third most populous in Nigeria. Do you expect us to keep bush everywhere?” he questioned.
The PDP defended the Makinde-led government’s strategic vision for urban renewal and development. By collaborating with private investors, the administration aims to transform dormant spaces into thriving economic hubs, aligning with its broader goals of modernizing Ibadan and boosting the state’s economy.
The spokesperson called for patience and understanding, urging critics to focus on the tangible benefits of these projects rather than spreading misinformation.
