A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former gubernatorial aspirant, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (popularly known as Allow Alao), has strongly criticized Governor Seyi Makinde over the ongoing demolition of shops and structures in Akobo and other parts of Ibadan, calling the exercise “insensitive” and detrimental to the livelihoods of thousands of residents.
In a statement issued Wednesday through his media office, Alao described the demolitions as “unjust and poorly managed,” arguing that a responsible government should alleviate the burdens of its citizens, not compound them.
The Asiwaju of Irokoland particularly condemned the demolition of over 400 shops at Alegongo Market, warning that Governor Makinde risks going down in history as “Oyo’s worst governor” if the current policy trajectory continues.
These demolitions are a harsh and insensitive blow to the livelihoods of thousands of traders and their families—especially at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe economic hardship,” Alao said.
He emphasized that many of the affected traders held valid allocation letters, some dating back two decades, and were given little or no prior notice—resulting in a sudden loss of their means of survival. According to him, the demolitions paint the Makinde administration as uncaring and disconnected from the realities of those it governs.
Alao further accused the government of engaging in land grabbing under the guise of urban renewal, claiming that residents are being forcefully displaced without adequate consultation, compensation, or alternatives.
He warned that continued demolition of structures central to daily livelihood in Oyo State could escalate poverty and provoke social unrest.
It is time for well-meaning individuals in our state to call Governor Makinde to order. His actions, rather than bringing relief, are plunging more citizens into hardship. The core responsibility of any government is to improve the lives of its people,” he stated.
Alao concluded by urging the Oyo State government to adopt a more humane and transparent approach to urban development, cautioning that the current strategy threatens to erode public trust and deepen the economic challenges facing the masses.
