The Oyo State Speaker, Ogundoyin, has come under criticism for his comments opposing financial autonomy for local governments.
The African Action Congress (AAC) in Oyo State described his statement as “alarming” and “rebuking”.
The party made this known in a statement signed by its Chairman, Kayode Babayomi, and made available to newsmen, on Tuesday.
According to the AAC, Ogundoyin’s comment suggesting that financial autonomy would lead to corruption at the local level is hypocritical, given that state financial autonomy has not prevented corruption at the state level.
The party accused Ogundoyin of being a “puppet” of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and of prioritizing his own interests over the welfare of the people.
The AAC urged the people of Oyo State to take note of Ogundoyin’s comments and to support the AAC in its efforts to reclaim the state from political predators.
The party described itself as the only pro-people party and called on the people to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP, and Labour Party (LP) in favor of the AAC.
The statement reads: “The Oyo State Speaker, Ogundoyin, has brought disgrace to the parliament and the people he represents. His frivolous comment on granting local government financial autonomy, suggesting it will lead to corruption, is alarming. If autonomy would indeed lead to corruption at the local level, what has state financial autonomy engendered since the inception of federalism?
“Power-hungry individuals like Ogundoyin are only interested in misappropriating funds meant for the people. Their fear is having different parties at the grassroots level, which would expose their corrupt practices to the public. This is why the PDP opts for selection over election. Ogundoyin, a puppet since his emergence as speaker under the PDP regime in Oyo State, has been more focused on frolicking with girls and taking pictures around the state with subtle media presence. It’s astonishing that such an individual represents the good people of Ibarapa East and holds the position of speaker.
“Ogundoyin’s statement condemning local government financial autonomy is rebuking, considering the bulk of state resources come from the local government. The people are denied benefits, and the PDP orchestrates selection and appointment of local government leaders to maintain control over resources.
“We urge the good people of Oyo to take note of these comments and use them as a reminder in the future. The last local government election was a scam orchestrated by Makinde, with Ogundoyin as his principal in the state PDP.
“It’s time for the people of Oyo State to turn against their enemies – APC, PDP, and LP – and support the only pro-people party, AAC, to reclaim the state from these political predators.”
