The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized the state government for allegedly converting public reading and learning facilities in the Dugbe area of Ibadan into lock-up shops and shopping malls. The party described the move as “shameful, ill-conceived, and grossly unacceptable.”
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday by its State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC also alleged the sale of the modern motor park at Wema Area on New Ife Road, Ibadan. The party claimed the park, built during the administration of late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has reportedly been sold to a pastor of a prominent church located near the facility.
“It is a sad reality that the buildings which used to serve as public libraries and archives in Dugbe have now been replaced with commercial structures. This implies that education and research development have been relegated to the background by an administration that has refused to address the poor reading culture among young students,” Sadare stated.
The APC lamented that public libraries and archives, which once served students, researchers, and tourists, have been abandoned for private business complexes and shopping malls.
The party continued, “Without mincing words, the word ‘library’ is now strange to many students in public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State because the government does not care to build new facilities or renovate existing ones. This trend endangers society, leading to illiteracy and ignorance.”
The APC called on Governor Seyi Makinde to explain why public heritage and properties inherited from previous administrations are being sold or converted for commercial purposes. It accused the administration of prioritizing revenue generation over education and research development.
“It has also reached a point where silence is no longer golden. All well-meaning individuals and stakeholders should begin to ask Governor Makinde questions about his government’s sale of public properties,” the statement read.
The APC further alleged irregularities in the lease or concession of public facilities, citing examples such as the OYSADEP Guest House in Saki and the Agbowo Shopping Complex in Ibadan. It also expressed concerns over rising cases of land grabbing, allegedly involving some of the governor’s appointees, ruling party officials, and local government leaders.
The opposition party emphasized, “This trend has to stop now.”
It called for transparency and accountability in the management of the state’s resources and urged the government to prioritize public welfare over personal or political interests.
