The recent approval of high-cost projects by the Oyo State Executive Council, including the procurement of two surveillance aircraft worth N7.7 billion, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties in the state. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have accused Governor Seyi Makinde of misplacing priorities and wasting public funds.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, the APC and ADC described the expenditure on the DA 42 MNG surveillance aircraft and other multi-billion naira projects as reckless, especially amid worsening economic conditions and dilapidated infrastructure in the state.
Among the controversial projects recently approved are the N63.4 billion renovation of the Oyo Government House, N595 million for the Light-Up Oyo Solar project (with a monthly N190 million maintenance cost), and an additional N83 billion for the completion of the 72km portion of the 110km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road. The state also awarded contracts worth N36.3 billion for the upgrade of key roads in Ibadan and N6.8 billion for the reconstruction of roads in Oluyole Industrial Estate.
In defense, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the two aircraft were intended for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. According to the statement, the planes are equipped with sophisticated surveillance equipment to support Amotekun and other security agencies in combating banditry, kidnapping, and illegal mining across the state.
He noted that the fixed-wing DA 42 MNG model aircraft were selected over helicopters due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with existing Nigerian Air Force equipment. “These aircraft will help identify and neutralize security threats from both high and low altitudes,” Oyelade said.
The Oyo APC, through its spokesperson, Wale Sadare, condemned the move, calling it “executive recklessness.” He criticized the government for prioritizing luxury over essentials like education, healthcare, and grassroots security.
“It’s the height of profligacy,” Sadare said. “The administration is investing billions in vanity projects while schools remain in ruins and local roads are impassable. These expenditures will not directly benefit the people of Oyo State.”
Sadare also doubted the government’s ability to maintain the aircraft. “If the government couldn’t maintain the Agodi Government House, what assurance do we have that these aircraft won’t end up grounded within a year?” he asked.
ADC’s state chairman, Olona Yinka, echoed similar sentiments, urging the Makinde administration to redirect funds to the 33 local government areas. “People are struggling with hunger and poverty,” he said. “We need investments that touch lives directly, renovate schools, empower local governments, and create jobs.”
While the Oyo State Government insists that its investments in surveillance technology will enhance public safety, opposition parties maintain that such spending is detached from the urgent needs of the people. As economic pressure mounts, the controversy surrounding these big-ticket projects is likely to fuel further political debate ahead of future elections.