The Oyo State Government and the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) have exchanged words over allegations surrounding the proposed sale or allocation of Cheshire Home land in Eleyele, Ibadan, to private developers.
While SSACO warned Governor Seyi Makinde against any move to dispose of the property, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of converting public assets for private commercial use, the state government dismissed the allegation as speculative, misleading and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the claim was designed to create unnecessary anxiety among residents, insisting that the administration remained committed to transparency, due process and the protection of public interest.
Olanrewaju described SSACO’s allegation as another attempt to distort the government’s record, adding that the organisation had failed to provide evidence to support its claims.
The government spokesman also linked the campaign organisation’s statement to what he described as its reaction to the recent radio interview granted by the Oyo State gubernatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Honourable Bimbo Adekanmbi.
He said the Makinde administration had consistently demonstrated its commitment to responsible asset management and infrastructure development since assuming office in 2019.
According to him, the government has invested significantly in the rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, road networks, security infrastructure and other public facilities across the state.
He maintained that every decision concerning government land and property was guided by due process, public interest and the developmental needs of Oyo State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Makinde fully understands that public assets belong to the people of Oyo State. Every decision taken by his administration regarding government land and property is guided by due process, public interest, and the developmental needs of the state,” the statement said.
The government further accused those criticising the administration of remaining silent while public assets suffered neglect in previous years, insisting that residents could distinguish between genuine public concerns and political opportunism.
It added that the governor would not be distracted by what it described as baseless allegations and attempts to politicise governance.
Earlier, SSACO had raised concerns over the reported plan involving the Cheshire Home property, warning that the disposal of strategically located public land could deprive future generations of facilities needed for essential public services.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, the organisation argued that public properties should not be transferred to private commercial interests without transparency, public consultation and compelling justification.
SSACO maintained that government land should be preserved for future needs, including schools, hospitals, recreational centres and social welfare institutions, particularly amid population growth and increasing demand for public infrastructure.
The organisation also questioned the wisdom of disposing of public assets when successive administrations would require land to expand essential services.
“What will be left for future generations if every strategically located public property is converted into a private estate, shopping complex or commercial development?” SSACO asked.
It consequently demanded an immediate halt to any contemplated sale or allocation of the Cheshire Home land to private developers and called for the highest standards of transparency and accountability in transactions involving public assets.
However, the state government urged SSACO and its sponsors to engage in responsible public debate, stressing that criticism of government policies should be based on verifiable facts rather than speculation.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to questions surrounding the management of public assets in Oyo State, with SSACO demanding greater accountability and the government insisting that its decisions are guided by the law and public interest.
