A chieftain of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and veteran grassroots politician, Alhaji Rasheed Adebisi “Olopoeyan”, has defended the performance of local government councils in Oyo State, insisting that the third tier of government remains functional and that any chairman unable to publicly account for his stewardship should be held responsible rather than shifting blame to the state government.
Olopoeyan made the remarks during an interview anchored by Abiodun Adewole, popularly known as Mr. Double A, on Splash FM’s weekend political programme, Gbangbalasata.
Speaking on the state of local government administration in Oyo State amid growing public concerns over the utilisation of increased federal allocations to councils, Olopoeyan maintained that local governments are still operating and delivering on their constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, it is inaccurate to suggest that local governments have become ineffective or non-existent in the state.
“Local government did not die in Oyo State. It is still existing and working. If anybody says local governments are struggling, then we need to ask the local government chairmen because they are the ones who can answer such questions,” he said.
The APM stalwart argued that accountability should begin with elected local government chairmen, urging them to make themselves available for public scrutiny and explain how they have managed the resources at their disposal.
He challenged council chairmen across the state to appear on radio programmes and provide detailed accounts of their stewardship to residents.
“If any local government chairman cannot come on air and explain what he has done with the resources available to his council, then something is wrong with that chairman. The people deserve to know what their elected leaders are doing.
“Let the chairmen come on radio, defend themselves and give account of their stewardship. It is not Governor Seyi Makinde that has a problem if a chairman cannot explain what he has achieved in office,” Olopoeyan stated.
The former PDP chieftain also weighed in on the political debate surrounding Governor Seyi Makinde’s succession plans and the growing discussion around the “Omi-Tuntun 3.0” agenda.
Dismissing claims that the governor is attempting to enthrone a godfather structure in Oyo State politics, Olopoeniyan described Omi-Tuntun 3.0 as a continuation of an existing developmental agenda rather than an attempt to impose a successor.
“Omi-Tuntun 3.0 is not godfatherism; it is continuity. People talk about godfatherism, but what exists are leaders. Continuity of good governance should not be mistaken for godfatherism,” he said.
He explained that any candidate who emerges and sustains the policies and programmes initiated under the current administration would merely be continuing an existing vision for the state.
“If Bimbo Adekanmbi of the APM eventually becomes governor and continues the Omi-Tuntun agenda, that is continuity. It should not be seen as godfatherism. Once elected, every governor has the constitutional authority to make decisions and govern according to his convictions,” he added.
Olopoeyan further commented on the ongoing debate surrounding the role of Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, in addressing the recent wave of kidnappings and insecurity in parts of Oyo State.
According to him, Sunday Igboho does not require the approval of Governor Makinde or any government official if he genuinely believes he can assist in rescuing victims of abduction.
“Sunday Igboho does not need Governor Makinde’s approval. If he believes he can rescue the victims, he should go ahead and do it. He does not need anybody’s permission. Let him go and rescue the victims and let us see what happens,” he said.
