Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State has clarified widespread public misconceptions surrounding the ongoing ₦63 billion Government House project, stating unequivocally that the work is not a mere renovation, but a full-scale reconstruction aimed at giving the state a befitting seat of power.
Speaking on Monday, June 23, during his keynote address at the Oyo State midterm retreat tagged: “Reflecting on progress, refining priorities and re-firing for maximum impact and legacy,” which
held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Governor Makinde explained that the project cost reflects the prevailing economic realities.
According to him, the ₦63 billion earmarked for the project in today’s economy would have equated to approximately ₦16 billion just two years ago, before the advent of the Tinubu administration, when the naira-dollar exchange rate hovered around ₦400 to $1.
OYOINSIGHT.COM understands that Makinde has been governor four years before President Bola Tinubu and has never passed a night in the edifice renovated just before he assumed office by his immediate predecessor, late governor Abiola Ajimobi. Makinde lives and mostly receives inside his private residence which is about 5 minutes away from the facility.
He explained that he personally took record of the buildings inside the state government house and the magnitude of work to be done stressing that the quoted figures reflect current market realities in terms of cost of construction materials.
“What we’re doing is not renovation, it is reconstruction,” Governor Makinde stressed.
Reacting to the criticism that is trailing the project cost, Makinde clarified that it is important for people to understand that the scale of the project is aimed at creating a functional and dignified Government House that meets modern standards.”
The Governor insisted that his administration is not focused on applause or short-term visibility but is instead committed to delivering impactful and durable infrastructure that will stand the test of time.
“We’re not building for praise, we’re laying down critical infrastructure that will speak for itself many years after we’re gone.
“My successor won’t need to worry about the roads we’ve constructed, they are built to last.”
He emphasized that all projects undertaken under his administration follow strict quality benchmarks, and that the focus remains on sustainability and long-term service to the people of Oyo State.
The midterm retreat brought together members of the state executive council, top government functionaries, and key stakeholders to review the performance of the administration at the halfway point of its second term.
