The Oyo State Government has dismissed concerns raised by the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) over the Cheshire Home land in Eleyele, Ibadan, insisting that no secret decision has been taken on the property.
The government said Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remained committed to transparency, due process and the protection of public interest in the management of government assets.
In a statement signed by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, the government described SSACO’s claims as speculative and unsupported by evidence.
The response followed a statement by Alli’s campaign organisation warning against the reported sale or allocation of the Cheshire Home land to private developers and demanding transparency over the property.
The government, however, said the allegations were designed to create unnecessary anxiety among residents, insisting that the administration had neither taken any secret decision nor acted outside the law.
It also accused SSACO of resorting to what it described as alarmism, distortion and political rhetoric instead of presenting verifiable evidence to support its claims.
The statement linked the organisation’s position to the recent radio interview involving Bimbo Adekanmbi, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State, alleging that SSACO had returned to its familiar tactics following the interview.
The government maintained that all decisions concerning public land and property under Makinde’s administration were guided by due process, public interest and the developmental needs of the state.
Makinde understands public assets belongs to the people
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Makinde fully understands that public assets belong to the people of Oyo State,” the statement said, adding that the governor had not treated government property as his personal possession.
The administration also defended its record since 2019, citing investments in schools, hospitals, road networks, security infrastructure and other public facilities as evidence of its commitment to public infrastructure and responsible asset management.
It further criticised those questioning its handling of public assets, alleging that some had remained silent during periods when such facilities suffered neglect.
The government urged SSACO and its sponsors to engage in public debate based on facts, evidence and responsible criticism rather than what it called speculation disguised as public advocacy.
It added that the Makinde administration would remain focused on sustainable development, economic expansion and improved service delivery despite the allegations.
SSACO had earlier raised concerns over the reported possibility of the Cheshire Home land being sold or allocated to private developers, calling for any such move to be halted.
However, the government’s response did not specify the current status of the land or clarify whether any proposal for its sale or allocation was under consideration.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
