*’Eye Witnesses Said Individuals Who Attacked Alhaja Alli, Engr. Remi Oseni, and Hon. Funke Olunloyo-Osinowo Were APC Members Caught In Middle Of Their Party’s Internal Disagreements’
*Rating Reflects Deliberate Choices We Made To Put People At Centre Of Governance -Gov Makinde
*Phillips Consulting’s 2025 Liveability Index Ranking Oyo State As Nigeria’s Most Liveable, Thumbs Up For Visible Developmental Strides Of Makinde Administration -Govt Gushes
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State government has denied allegation by the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were attacked in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Alli is the 2027 election APC governorship candidate in the South-West State, which is governed by Allied People’s Movement (APM).
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor of Oyo State, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in a statement today, pooh-poohed the attack allegation.
“Oyo State government strongly rejects the allegation by the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation claiming that Governor Seyi Makinde and Honourable Bimbo Adekanmbi are sponsoring thugs in the state.
“The accusation is false, irresponsible, and directly contradicted by eyewitness accounts, which confirm that the incidents being politicised arose from an internal dispute within the APC involving aggrieved members of the party.
“Attempting to recast an intra-party conflict as government-sponsored violence is a deliberate distortion of the truth. Residents will recall that since Governor Makinde assumed office, Oyo State has witnessed a sustained decline in political thuggery and violent disruptions.
“This progress is the result of intentional and consistent policies, such as strengthening and professionalising Amotekun, expanding joint security patrols across all zones, investing in modern surveillance and response equipment, and maintaining close coordination with federal security agencies.
“The administration’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability makes the allegation not only untrue but entirely illogical.
“Furthermore, Governor Makinde’s administration enjoys broad public support across the state. A popular government has no reason or incentive to disrupt any opposition campaign. His focus remains firmly on governance, not political confrontation.
“Eyewitness accounts are clear: The individuals who attacked Alhaja Alli, Engr. Remi Oseni, and Hon. Funke Olunloyo-Osinowo were APC members caught in the middle of their party’s internal disagreements.
“These were cases of intra-party crisis, not government-sponsored incidents. Efforts to shift responsibility to Governor Makinde or Hon. Adekanmbi amount to politicising a matter already traced to the APC’s inability to manage its internal tensions.
“At a time when the government is working diligently to maintain calm across the state, it is disingenuous and dangerous for any political organisation to circulate unfounded claims about security matters. Such statements heighten tension, mislead the public, undermine the work of security agencies, and ultimately endanger the lives of Oyo State citizens.
“Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, a technocrat with a long-standing reputation for professionalism and lawfulness, has no link whatsoever to political violence. He is a very popular candidate loved by the people of Oyo State.
“So, there is no basis for him to attack anyone. Associating him with thuggery is unethical and inconsistent with his character and public record.
“Governor Makinde remains focused on safeguarding lives and property, ensuring stability across all communities, promoting responsible political engagement, and driving development that benefits every resident of Oyo State. His administration will not be distracted by manufactured controversies or reckless attempts to mislead the public.
“The allegation is false, reckless, and rejected in its entirety. The violence witnessed within the APC camp stems from internal conflicts within the party, not from any action by Governor Makinde or Hon. Adekanmbi. Oyo State remains committed to peace, stability, and responsible governance.
“As a sinking party, the APC would want to exploit any narrative that appears politically advantageous, but the party must recognise that the people of Oyo State remain resolute in their support for Governor Seyi Makinde and the Allied People’s Movement gubernatorial candidate, Honourable Bimbo Adekanmbi. No political gymnastics or theatrics will alter that reality.
“The Oyo State government, therefore, counsels the APC to manage its internal crisis more responsibly and spare the people of Oyo State the unwarranted violence and thuggery arising from such avoidable acts of violence and thuggery,” Dr. Olanrewaju said.
Oyo Wins Big, Ranked Best In Democratic Performance, Liveability Index In Nigeria
In a related development, the government said the state’s emergence as Nigeria’s best-performing state in democratic governance is a powerful affirmation of its growing reputation for stability, accountability, and citizen-centered leadership.
Dr. Olanrewaju stated, today too, that scoring 70 per cent in the 2025 Democracy Performance Index released by the Kimpact Development Initiative and published by StatiSense, made Oyo stand alone at the top of the national ranking.
“The report shows that the state has excelled across electoral participation, institutional effectiveness, civil liberties, and political inclusion, areas where many other states continue to falter.
“In Oyo, citizens participate more actively in elections, institutions operate with greater substance, and civic freedoms are better protected, creating a democratic environment that is more stable, inclusive, and responsive than what is found in most parts of the country.
“This democratic strength is further complemented by another major recognition: Phillips Consulting’s 2025 Liveability Index ranked Oyo State as the most liveable state in Nigeria.
“This assessment highlights the state’s growing appeal in terms of infrastructure quality, security, economic opportunity, environmental cleanliness, healthcare and education access, and overall urban planning.
“Oyo’s urban environment is less congested and more affordable than Lagos or Abuja, yet it continues to improve its public services and expand its economic prospects. The liveability ranking reinforces the idea that good governance is translating into tangible improvements in everyday life, making Oyo not just a politically stable state but also a socially and economically attractive one.
“Governor Seyi Makinde, responding to the latest recognition, noted that the rating reflects ‘the deliberate choices we have made to put people at the centre of governance.’
“He emphasised that democratic stability and improved quality of life are not accidental outcomes, but the result of sustained investment in institutions, transparency, and human development. In his words, ‘When you build systems that work and create an environment where citizens feel safe, respected, and included, progress becomes inevitable’,” he said.
Olanrewaju said his remarks captured the philosophy that has guided Oyo’s governance approach, “one that prioritises both democratic substance and social well-being,” adding that the state’s democratic performance was rooted in several key strengths.
“The state stands out for having a more engaged electorate: Citizens turn out to vote at higher rates, collect their Permanent Voter Cards more consistently, and participate more actively in party politics and electoral processes.
“Elections tend to be less chaotic, and civic engagement is stronger than in many other parts of the country. This level of participation signals higher public trust in democratic processes and a political culture that encourages citizens to take ownership of their governance.
“Beyond electoral participation, Oyo’s democratic institutions appear to function with more substance. Legislative oversight is more robust, fiscal accountability is clearer, and the separation of powers between the executive and legislature is more functional.
“In many states, institutions exist only in name; in Oyo, they show signs of genuine effectiveness. The state also distinguishes itself in the protection of civil liberties. Media freedom is stronger, public assembly faces no restriction, and civil society groups operate in a more enabling environment.
“At a time when civic space is shrinking in many parts of Nigeria, Oyo’s relative openness stands out as a major differentiator. Political inclusion remains Nigeria’s weakest democratic dimension; yet, Oyo performs better than most states. Women’s representation is closer to national benchmarks, youth participation is stronger, and persons with disabilities receive more policy attention,” he said.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State…A fulfilled man.
