The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has launched a scathing attack on Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of consistently undermining the judiciary and disrespecting the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
In a strongly worded statement issued over the weekend by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the APC urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to call the governor to order before further damage is done to democratic institutions in the state.
The opposition party described Governor Makinde as a “civilian despot” who continually disregards the judiciary and treats the third arm of government with contempt. According to Sadare, Makinde’s administration has shown no regard for the autonomy and welfare of judicial officers in the state.
“Judges and judicial workers under the Oyo State Government receive the least allowances and are denied key rights and entitlements necessary for the efficient discharge of their duties,” the statement read.
Citing past actions, the APC recalled the governor’s controversial sack of elected local government officials in 2019, which was later declared illegal by the Supreme Court. The party also criticized Makinde’s recent dismissal of another Supreme Court ruling which reaffirmed financial autonomy for local governments across Nigeria.
“In spite of the Supreme Court judgment, Governor Makinde and others like him have continued to frustrate the full implementation of the ruling,” the statement added.
The APC also highlighted the long-standing closure of Grade “C” Customary Courts and Rent Courts in the state, blaming it on the governor’s failure to recognize their importance. The resulting backlog, the party noted, has placed immense pressure on Magistrate Courts now handling a wide range of cases, including marital and tenancy disputes.
Furthermore, the party raised alarm over the acute shortage of judges in the state, pointing out that nearly 10 vacancies created by judicial retirements remain unfilled due to the state government’s inaction, thereby stalling approval from the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“The Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts introduced by the state government are barely functioning due to a lack of courtrooms and necessary logistics. It is evident that the Makinde-led administration does not prioritize the judiciary, and this neglect is damaging to the delivery of justice in Oyo State,” the statement concluded.
