Former Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, has predicted that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, could face investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after leaving office.
Shittu, who spoke during an interview, alleged that Makinde’s administration had violated the principle of financial autonomy for local governments and suggested that the governor could be called to account over the management of state and local government funds after his tenure.
Responding to a question on whether Makinde could face an EFCC investigation after leaving office, Shittu said, “There is no doubt about it,” insisting that the governor would have to answer questions over his administration’s handling of local government finances.
He specifically cited the Supreme Court’s position on local government financial autonomy, arguing that local governments are legally entitled to operate independently and control their finances.
According to him, Makinde’s alleged refusal to comply with the principle of financial autonomy could have consequences after he leaves office.
“The law says local governments are independent and should enjoy financial autonomy. Makinde says no, just because he is a governor and has all the protection of the law, and that he cannot be queried,” Shittu alleged.
He further alleged that funds accruing to both the state and local governments had been controlled by the governor, describing the situation as financial misconduct.
Asked whether he was making a serious allegation, Shittu replied in the affirmative but maintained that the matter would become clearer after Makinde’s departure from office.
“Yes, it is an allegation, but it is true. Let us wait until after he has left office,” he said.
Shittu also questioned the status of some projects initiated by the Makinde administration, using the Agbowo Shopping Complex, located in front of the University of Ibadan, as an example.
He claimed that the project had remained incomplete for more than seven years and questioned how the funds allocated to such projects had been utilised.
“There are a few projects he started more than seven years ago that he has not completed. Look at the Agbowo Shopping Complex in front of the University of Ibadan; Makinde has been on it for more than seven years, and nothing has been done. Who will ask where the money has gone?” he asked.
The former minister also suggested that the governor may already be making arrangements for his post-governorship life.
“I am not sure that the man is not taking care of his post-governorship life,” Shittu said.
However, despite his criticism of the governor, Shittu acknowledged that Makinde had made notable contributions to infrastructure, particularly in Ibadan.
“In fairness to him, he has done very well in the area of infrastructural development. He has done very well in developing Ibadan,” he admitted.
He, however, maintained that what he described as violations of the law could not be overlooked simply because the governor had performed well in other areas.
“But the law is the law, which says local governments must have financial autonomy. Who is he to do otherwise?” Shittu asked.
Responding to the argument that Makinde was not the only governor opposed to local government financial autonomy, Shittu said the alleged involvement of other governors could not justify the practice.
“The fact that he is not the only governor does not make it right. Whoever is involved in that type of financial misbehaviour should bear the consequences after leaving office,” he said.
Shittu also criticised what he described as Makinde’s treatment of people who had been close to him, alleging that the governor had lost several friends after using their services.
“As innocent as Makinde looks, he is not a man who can befriend you from morning to evening. He has lost so many friends because once he makes the best use of you, he dumps you,” he alleged.
He further criticised the governor over his reported warning to the Olubadan of Ibadan against engaging in partisan politics.
According to Shittu, political differences should not lead to threats against traditional rulers.
“Recently, he threatened the Olubadan of Ibadan against getting involved in politics. You don’t correct people by threatening them. If the Olubadan is supporting him, he will not say that,” he said.
Shittu’s comments come as political activities intensify in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with the performance and political record of the incumbent administration expected to form a major part of the campaign debate.
