The Oyo State Government has dismissed criticisms by Senator Sharafadeen Alli over the powering of streetlights and the renovation of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, describing the senator’s position as politically motivated.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in a statement on Saturday, said the criticisms were an attempt to distort the achievements of the administration.
Olanrewaju said the government would not apologise for keeping the state illuminated, arguing that the use of generators for streetlights was necessitated by inadequate electricity supply from the national grid.
He said, ‘The Makinde administration will never apologise for keeping Oyo State illuminated and secure. The only reason generators are being used is because the APC-led Federal Government, Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s party, has failed spectacularly to deliver the regular electricity supply it promised Nigerians.’
According to him, the state government had also taken steps to develop an alternative energy source through its solar power project.
He said, ‘Oyo State is not waiting for federal excuses. The government has built a 5MW solar plant, which is now being upgraded to 12MW, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable, independent and forward-looking energy solutions.’
On the Lekan Salami Stadium, the governor’s aide said the facility had hosted international football since its renovation, citing the February 2026 match between the Falconets and Senegal as evidence of its upgraded status.
He explained that the temporary halt in hosting some international matches involving 3SC was linked to further work being carried out at the facility to meet changing international requirements.
‘The renovation has already achieved what previous administrations could not. Ibadan is now hosting international matches, including the Falconets vs Senegal fixture in February 2026. This is a clear testament to the stadium’s upgraded status,’ he said.
Olanrewaju added that the further upgrades at the stadium should be viewed as part of the government’s effort to maintain and improve the facility rather than as a failure.
He said, ‘The temporary pause in 3SC’s international matches at the stadium is simply because the government is undertaking further upgrades to meet evolving international standards. That is called progress.’
The Special Adviser also responded to Alli’s criticism of Governor Makinde’s engineering credentials, saying the governor had extensive professional experience in engineering.
He said Makinde’s recognition by the Nigerian Society of Engineers as a Fellow of the organisation was evidence of his professional standing.
According to him, ‘Governor Seyi Makinde, on the other hand, is a distinguished engineer with decades of hands-on experience across multiple fields. His contributions to engineering are so significant that the Nigerian Society of Engineers awarded him its highest honour: Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.’
Olanrewaju said the administration remained focused on governance and development despite political criticism.
He said, ‘While some politicians specialise in shouting, this administration specialises in results. The Seyi Makinde-led government is busy delivering real development, not chasing clout or engaging in petty political bickering.’
He added that the state government would continue with its development agenda irrespective of political opposition.
‘The people of Oyo State deserve progress, not propaganda, and that is exactly what this administration will continue to deliver,’ Olanrewaju said.