Oyo Assembly Defends Makinde’s N300bn Fresh Loan Request

The Oyo State House of Assembly has defended the approval of N300 billion loan granted the state government, saying the approved followed due considerations by members.

The Assembly also debunked the accusation by member representing Saki West State Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, that the recent emergency plenary session was convened to secretly approve the loan request from the executive without proper notification to lawmakers.

In a statement jointly signed by the Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin and the chairman, House Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT, Waheed Akintayo (Ilumoka), the House described the claims as not only misleading but a reflection of his complete disconnect from legislative responsibilities.

The statement clarified that the emergency plenary held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, was duly and officially notified on the Assembly’s general platform.

“The Oyo State House of Assembly has issued a strongly worded rebuttal to the baseless claims made by Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, member representing Saki West State Constituency, over the recent emergency plenary session which he falsely alleged was used to secretly approve a N300 billion loan request from the executive without proper notification to members.

“A screenshot of the message from the majority leader clearly indicates that all Honourable members were informed of the session, a notification acknowledged by some members.

“It is not only unfortunate but shameful that a serving member of the Assembly would resort to falsehood for cheap political relevance.

“Emergency plenaries are not illegal; they are constitutional and practiced in all serious legislatures across Nigeria, including the National Assembly,” the statement noted.

The Assembly disclosed that the N300 billion loan request includes N149 billion meant to refinance an existing loan facility with United Bank for Africa (UBA), while only N151 billion constituting a new request for infrastructure and contractors’ financing, a distinction, the statement said Shittu failed to acknowledge, either through ignorance or deliberately.

“Upon verification, Hon. Shittu’s attendance at plenary sessions stands at a dismal 20%, making him the least active member of the 10th Assembly.

“Hon. Shittu is always absent at all critical legislative sittings such as the budget presentation and the state address by the governor.

“Shittu was the only member who failed to participate in the recently concluded extensive oversight visits to executive and local government projects across the state.

“His absence extended to all previous oversight duties and committee assignments, where his contributions are either non-existent or irrelevant.”

“It is clear that Hon. Shittu has not only failed his constituents, but also betrayed the legislative mandate he was entrusted with. He has no bill, no motion, no contribution on the floor, and now seeks to cover his ineffectiveness with lies,” the statement added.

However, the Assembly reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency, and legislative excellence, while urging the public to disregard what it called “politically motivated antics of non-performing lawmakers.”

“Rather than peddle unfounded allegations, Hon. Shittu should redirect his energy towards becoming a functional legislator. His pattern of absenteeism and non-participation is an embarrassment to the institution and to the people of Saki West,” the lawmakers said.