In a scathing critique of the Oyo State government’s fiscal priorities, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao, a prominent governorship aspirant, has labelled the reported ₦60 billion budgeted for the renovation of the State Government House as “grossly excessive” and misaligned with the pressing needs of the populace. His comments, made during a detailed radio interview in Ibadan, have ignited a fresh debate on accountability, development planning, and the social contract between the government and the people.
Speaking from his professional vantage point as an engineer with extensive experience in project execution and contract management, Alao emphasised the imperative of prudence. “When you look at the economic hardship facing our people, spending such an astronomical sum on renovating a single building, no matter how symbolic, raises serious questions about our priorities,” he stated. He called for rigorous, transparent project evaluation to ensure every naira spent delivers maximum value to the citizens.
Delving into specific projects, Engineer Alao provided a historical analysis of the controversial Circular Road initiative. He noted that the original design under former Governor Rasheed Ladoja spanned approximately 75 meters. This was later expanded to 150 meters on each side (totalling 300 meters) during the administration of Abiola Ajimobi. However, he strongly criticised the current administration for further extending the scope to about 1 kilometer (500 meters on each side).
“This expansion is not just ambitious; it is unnecessarily excessive and a major driver of inflated costs,” Alao argued. He pledged that if elected governor, his administration would revert to the 150-meter-per-side design to ensure cost efficiency and faster completion, freeing up resources for other critical infrastructure.
The aspirant shifted focus to fundamental quality-of-life issues, pointedly questioning the availability of reliable pipe-borne water in Ibadan, the state capital. “How can a state with such potential struggle with providing basic water? Our public utilities need urgent, total overhaul,” he asserted. Drawing on observations from developed Asian nations, he advocated for a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to attract investment and expertise into the state’s infrastructure sector.
Alao also raised alarming concerns about transparency in disaster management. Referencing the tragic Bodija explosion, he alleged a significant discrepancy in relief funds. “While the Federal Government was reported to have released ₦50 billion in support for the victims and recovery, the state government has only publicly accounted for ₦5 billion. Where is the balance? The people deserve full accountability for every kobo meant to alleviate their suffering,” he demanded.
On state security, the engineer criticised the state’s reported purchase of an aircraft for ₦7.7 billion for surveillance purposes. He described it as a costly and inefficient solution. “In advanced countries, modern security relies on cost-effective technology like sophisticated drone systems, which provide wider coverage and more precise data at a fraction of the cost. This purchase appears to be more about prestige than practical security,” he commented.
Addressing the national economic climate, Alao acknowledged that some federal policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, though painful in the short term, might be necessary for long-term structural growth. However, he placed the blame for the acute hardship in Oyo State squarely on the doorstep of the state government. “Despite increased federal allocations, the state has failed to implement effective palliative measures to cushion the impact on our citizens. Leadership at the state level is about innovation and compassion, especially in tough times,” he stated.
In his concluding remarks, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao presented himself as an alternative focused on pragmatic and compassionate leadership. He assured the people of Oyo State that his administration would prioritise human welfare above all else. “My core mandate will be to immediately address the hurdles our people face daily—from food security and affordable healthcare to quality education and sustainable job creation. We will run a government that listens, that is transparent, and that views public funds as a sacred trust meant solely for the development and comfort of the masses.”
The interview has resonated with many citizens, adding fuel to ongoing discussions about governance, fiscal responsibility, and the direction of Oyo State as the political landscape evolves.