Makinde’s aide defends streetlight generators, stadium renovation

The Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, has defended the use of diesel-powered generators to power streetlights in the state, as well as the renovation of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex.

Olanrewaju stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Saturday, in response to comments by the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation.

He said the campaign organisation’s criticism had descended into what he described as “desperation, distortion, and a frantic struggle for relevance.”

On the streetlights, Olanrewaju said the state government would continue to keep Oyo illuminated and secure, arguing that the use of generators was necessitated by what he described as unreliable electricity supply from the national grid.

He said, “The only reason generators are being used is because the APC-led Federal Government, Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s party, has failed spectacularly to deliver the regular electricity supply it promised Nigerians.

“If the national grid were reliable, there would be absolutely no need for diesel-powered generators. Instead of attacking the state government for providing light, Senator Alli should confront his party’s embarrassing failure in the power sector.”

Olanrewaju said the state government had also invested in alternative energy, noting that it had built a 5MW solar plant that was being upgraded to 12MW.

He said the development demonstrated the administration’s commitment to what he described as sustainable and independent energy solutions.

On the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, the governor’s aide said the renovation had enabled Ibadan to host international matches, including the Falconets’ fixture against Senegal in February 2026.

He said the temporary pause in 3SC’s international matches at the stadium was due to further upgrades being undertaken to meet evolving international standards.

Olanrewaju added that the stadium remained “a symbol of pride, youth empowerment, and international relevance.”

He also responded to Alli’s criticism of Makinde’s professional competence, saying it was linked to the governor’s earlier description of the senator as a “jejune lawyer.”

He said, “This is not an insult; it is a fact, and facts tend to sting when they expose long-standing pretence.”

Olanrewaju also highlighted Makinde’s engineering background, noting that the governor had been recognised as a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

He said the state government would remain focused on what he described as development rather than political exchanges.

“The ‘Seyi Makinde-led government is busy delivering real development, not chasing clout or engaging in petty political bickering.

“Oyo State will continue to move forward, with or without the approval of those who have chosen to build their politics on distortion and desperation. The people of Oyo State deserve progress, not propaganda, and that is exactly what this administration will continue to deliver,” he said.