By Modupe Bankole
In a bid to strengthen transparency, good governance, and grassroots development, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have commenced a comprehensive oversight visitation to all 33 Local Government Areas and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.
The exercise, which aligns with the lawmakers’ constitutional responsibility, was designed to assess financial activities, including Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and expenditure patterns, while also inspecting ongoing and completed capital projects in each council area.
The oversight initiative was divided into the three senatorial districts of the state—Oyo South, Oyo Central, and Oyo North—with designated team leaders overseeing each zone. Areas of focus during the visits include 30km internal roads, budget performance, revenue generation, earth-moving equipment, Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) primary school projects, Primary Health Care (PHC) delivery, meetings with local security stakeholders, and engagements with traditional rulers.
Speaking during the visit to Ogbomoso South Local Government, the overall Chairman of the exercise and Chairman, House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours, Hon. Akintunde Olajide, emphasized the legislature’s commitment to ensuring efficient utilization of public resources.
“This oversight is a significant step towards promoting accountability at the local level. The 10th Assembly is dedicated to supporting local governments in driving sustainable development that improves the standard of living of our people,” Hon. Olajide stated.
He further charged council chairmen to align with the development agenda of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, which he said is focused on transforming Oyo State into a model of good governance and inclusive growth.
Also speaking, Hon. Olusola Owolabi, who led the Oyo North team and represents Ibadan North II Constituency, urged local government chairmen to adopt a culture of transparency, timely project execution, and prudent management of resources.
At Atiba Local Government, Offa-Meta, and Sooro LCDA, Oke-Isunwin in Oyo town, Hon. Dele Adeola, team leader for Oyo Central and member representing Iseyin State Constituency, advised council bosses to emulate Governor Makinde’s creativity and explore Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to drive local development.
In their responses, the Chairmen of Ogbomoso South, Atiba, and Olorunsogo LGAs—Hon. Oyedokun Timothy, Hon. Waliu Adetunji, and Hon. Kazeem Olayanju—commended Governor Makinde’s leadership, which they said had opened the door for rapid grassroots development and ensured equitable spread of democracy dividends.
It would be recalled that the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, recently announced the constitution of three sub-committees to oversee the conduct of the visitation. Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin leads the Oyo South team, Hon. Dele Adeola for Oyo Central, and Hon. Olusola Owolabi for Oyo North.
The lawmakers pledged to continue monitoring local council performance to ensure the delivery of meaningful development to the people of Oyo State.
