BY AHMED AKANBI
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Hazeem Gbolarumi, has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of borrowing N100 billion to fund his alleged presidential ambition.
Gbolarumi, who spoke on Thursday at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, alleged that Makinde’s administration selling six farm settlements to private developers close to the government was worrisome, and would affect farmers and food production.
”Yes, the sale of six farm settlements to private developers is worrisome. We discussed it at a stakeholders meeting in Ibadan. If I become governor in 2027, my government will review it and other lands Makinde gave to his cronies to build estates. The governor has become a land grabber,” he said.
On the N100 billion loan, Gbolarumi said: “I can tell you authoritatively the governor borrowed the money to finance his presidential ambition, not minding implications for the next governor in 2027. He is creating problems for the next government that will bear the debt burden.”
He berated Makinde for borrowing despite huge federal allocations under President Bola Tinubu.
”I don’t have business with the Federal Government borrowing, but Oyo’s own is uncalled for,” he said.
On local government autonomy, Gbolarumi said the Supreme Court has ruled LGs should handle their finances, but governors are hiding under immunity.
”At the appropriate time, they will be dealt with,” he said.
On Wike’s Rainbow coalition, he said coalition means consensus, noting Makinde emerged as a consensus candidate seven years ago under the leadership of the present Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
”We have adopted President Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential race, but it does not apply to governorship and other positions,” he said.
He claimed that the PDP structure remains intact under his watch, while the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) is under Makinde’s control.
On Ibadan Circular Road, he said the agreement was 50 metres on both sides, and the project should not be used to punish residents.
”The circular road started during Ladoja, but should not be used to feather the nest of Makinde’s people. We shall reverse actions using government laws,” he said.
He urged Oyo residents to remain calm and vote PDP in 2027, saying PDP is the only party that can make them happy.