In what has been described as a monumental disservice and brazen rape of grassroots democracy, the outgoing government of Governor Seyi Makinde is plotting to squander a whopping N4.2 billion belonging to the 33 Local Governments in Oyo State to prosecute a council election that is already enmeshed in multiple litigations.

This reckless, emperor-like action is not only illegal but a direct assault on the people of Oyo State who are daily crying for rural development.

Investigations by The Watchdogs for Good Governance, a civil society organisation concerned about good governance, revealed that no Local Government in Oyo State made any budgetary provision for the conduct of this controversial election in their 2026 Appropriation. This is the first time in the history of Oyo State that a state government is tasking and forcing Local Governments to fund an election that will be disputed legally and may end up as a nullity.

The state government itself confirmed the financial coup. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Executive Council approved payment to the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) for polls slated for December 29.

According to the statement, the illegal poll will be co-funded at a ratio of 60% by the LGAs and 40% by the state. This translates to N2,566,800,000 to be forcefully taken from the suffering councils, while the state contributes N1,711,200,000, bringing the total to N4,278,000,000.

The Watchdogs for Good Governance in a strongly worded press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Convener, Comrade Ahmed Adeyemo asked the pertinent question: Where is the budgetary provision for OYSIEC? Why resort to milking dry the councils’ funds when grassroots people are suffering from bad roads, lack of basic infrastructure, absence of people-friendly and quality primary healthcare and poor management of resources?

“Money that ought to be channeled into rural development and the pressing needs of the people is being diverted for a self-serving, misguided election,” Adeyemo fumed.

The group’s statement further read in parts: “This deliberate wastefulness by Governor Makinde is unfortunately becoming habitual, and needs to be questioned by people of good conscience. “We recall this was the same way he spent billions of Oyo State’s funds on his PDP faction’s National Convention, despite the exercise being marred in controversies, and litigations.

“Today, that Amala Convention has been thrown into the dustbin of history where it rightly belongs, but Oyo’s funds wasted on it, remain a tragic reminder of Mr. Governor’s wastefulness.

“People are complaining of total lack of Local Government presence and projects that can make lives meaningful to them. Yet, in spite of the enabling law that allows local governments to spend their monies on their own needs, Makinde is still lording it over them and behaving like an emperor.

“The planned election is a legal minefield. There are at least three different court cases filed against the conduct of this election by members of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) who are dissatisfied with the way Governor Makinde handpicked candidates for chairmanship and councillorship across the 33 local government areas of the State.

“Spending billions on an election that is subjudice and likely to be voided by the courts is the height of administrative irresponsibility and financial recklessness,” Adeyemo warned further.

The Watchdogs for Good Governance reliably gathered that Council Chairmen are under intense pressure from Agodi Government House to release the funds.

“We hereby issue a stern and unequivocal warning to all 33 Council Chairmen in Oyo State: Do not touch money meant for your local governments for this illegal election.

“Any Chairman who connives with Governor Makinde to divert council funds for this illegal poll will be held personally liable and accountable to the people.

“The funds belong to the people of Oyo State for development, not for funding an emperor’s party coronation.

“History is watching. The law is watching. The people are watching,” Adeyemo added.