Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State asserts that he will not release funds to former local government chairmen dismissed in 2019 until the Supreme Court issues a directive.
Makinde emphasizes his commitment to constitutional principles and refuses to yield to pressure, stating, “I will not give you a dime till the Supreme Court tells me otherwise.”
The former chairmen had taken legal action due to non-payment of entitlements, leading to a court judgment freezing the state’s accounts. Despite distractions, Makinde remains resolute in upholding the rule of law.
The ousted chairmen, dissatisfied with Makinde’s non-payment of their entitlements, sought legal recourse and secured a court judgment freezing the state’s accounts in ten commercial banks. Governor Makinde, however, remains steadfast, asserting that his government will not succumb to pressure to divert state funds until all legal avenues have been exhausted.
Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional principles in his decision-making, stating, “I could have worked with anybody, but because they did something that was not in line with the Constitution, we decided that they had to go.”
He drew parallels with past administrations, highlighting that dissolved chairmen from 2007 and 2011 still receive entitlements from the current administration.
Despite facing legal challenges, Makinde expressed confidence in his stance, vowing not to pay the former council bosses until the Supreme Court issues a directive. He acknowledged the distraction caused by the legal battle but remained resolute, stating, “I was distracted, and I don’t easily get distracted.”
As the legal proceedings continue, Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to upholding constitutional integrity and ensuring that state resources are disbursed in accordance with the law.
