According to the AAC, the governor’s frequent creation of committees lacks meaningful impact. It alleged that the committees serve as public relations groups, adding that they fail to deliver solutions.
The African Action Congress (AAC) in Oyo State has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent formation of a committee to address compensation for victims of demolitions tied to the Ibadan circular road project.
According to the AAC, the governor’s frequent creation of committees lacks meaningful impact. It alleged that the committees serve as public relations groups, adding that they fail to deliver solutions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, AAC Oyo State Chairman Kayode Babayomi argued that Makinde’s committees are often “cosmetic” efforts, adding that the governor’s approach has become so routine that he could form a committee for any minor issue.
Babayomi noted that the panels often appear more focused on media attention than real results.
“More often than not, these committees exist in name only, and once the initial buzz dies down, the issue fades, and the cycle repeats,” he said.
The AAC’s statement also disclosed that the establishment of the new compensation committee is not a proactive measure by the government, but rather a result of the relentless advocacy by landowners, the AAC, and other groups like Take It Back (TIB) that have supported the affected individuals.
The statement reads, "It is essential to clarify that we are not unfamiliar with Makinde's tactics and media sleights aimed at misleading the public. Like his colleagues in the legacy parties, he tends to create committees for various issues without producing meaningful outcomes.
"Makinde could form a committee to deliberate on something as trivial as how the governor might deal with his stomach upset and defecation-more often than not, these committees simply exist in name and for media show, and nothing substantial ever comes from them. The people forget overtime and the circle continues," Babayomi stated.
According to the AAC chairman, "For instance, in January 2024, Makinde established a committee to investigate the Bodija bomb blast, led by Prof. Tolulope Alonge. While the committee submitted its report to the governor and he subsequently presented it to the president in Abuja, that was where the matter ended.
"In 2021, he constituted a judicial committee to address the well-known #ENDSARS exposed murders, headed by retired Justice Badejoko Adeniji.
Babayomi said despite the committee submitting its findings over three years ago, there has been no further communication from the governor.
He explained that there have been many of such committees with no results adding that "this pattern from the Makinde-led PDP government must come to an end”.
"We urge the affected residents to stay strong and not fall for the governor's usual ploys. It is crucial that this committee fulfils its purpose and that justice is ultimately served,” Babayomi said.
"Lastly, we call upon the good people of Oyo State to keep raising their voices and demanding justice and accountability from all authorities whenever their rights are being violated, whether it's at the hands of the Agodi emperor and his agents or your neighbour in Ibarapa and Ogbomoso or anyone for that matter.
“Continuous advocacy for good governance is important for building a better Nigeria. Aluta continua.”