The Ogun State chapter of the Labour Party has faulted Governor Dapo Abiodun over the recent purchase of Sports Utility Vehicles for the 20 local government chairmen in the state, describing the move as insensitive, ill-timed and a misplaced priority rooted in maladministration.
The state chairman of the party, Oluwabukola Soyoye, said the decision was “a clear demonstration of misplaced priority at a time when residents are grappling with poor road infrastructure, rising cost of living and inadequate basic amenities across the state.”
Soyoye, in a statement made available to journalists on Friday, lamented that several roads linking rural and urban communities remain in deplorable condition, while healthcare facilities, schools and markets continue to suffer neglect.
Recall that Abiodun on Thursday presented Toyota Corolla Cross 2025 SUVs to chairmen of the 20 local government areas in the state.
The presentation of the brand-new vehicles in Abeokuta added to the Christmas festivities, with the chairmen expressing appreciation to the governor for the gesture.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the governor said the vehicles were provided to ease governance at the grassroots.
He lauded the chairmen for being worthy partners in spreading dividends of democracy at the grassroots and pledged that his administration would continue to support local governments to enhance socio-economic development across the state.
Abiodun also urged the local government chairmen to remain committed to excellence in grassroots governance and equitable development.
However, the LP chairman condemned the move, describing it as a waste of public funds and a misplaced priority.
She stated, “People are complaining daily about bad roads, lack of potable water and decaying public infrastructure. Yet, the government chose to spend huge public funds on luxury vehicles for political office holders.”
“Whereas the funds used for the purchase of the SUVs would have been better deployed to address pressing social and economic challenges facing the people at the grassroots, particularly road rehabilitation and poverty alleviation.”
Soyoye accused the state government of prioritising the comfort of political elites over the welfare of ordinary citizens, stressing that local government chairmen should lead by example through prudent management of public resources.
She called on the Abiodun-led administration to reverse the decision and redirect resources towards projects that would have a direct and positive impact on the lives of Ogun residents.
The LP chairman further urged residents to remain vigilant and hold their leaders accountable, noting that governance should be anchored on transparency, responsibility and people-oriented policies.
She added that the Labour Party would correct what she described as maladministration when it assumes leadership of the state in 2027 under the leadership of Otunba Segun Showunmi
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