The Oyo State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that it secretly approved a ₦300 billion loan request for Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
The allegation was raised on Wednesday by Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, member representing Saki West Constituency, who alleged that the loan approval was granted during an emergency plenary session held while the Assembly was on recess.
In a joint statement signed by the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Waheed Akintayo, the Assembly described Shittu’s claims as “false, misleading, and politically motivated.”
The lawmakers explained that the loan package involved two components: ₦149 billion to refinance an existing facility with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and ₦151 billion as fresh funding for infrastructure and contractor financing.
Defending the emergency session, the Assembly said such sittings are constitutional and common across Nigerian legislatures, including the National Assembly.
The statement also criticised Shittu’s performance as a legislator, accusing him of poor attendance and lack of contribution. According to the Assembly, his attendance record stood at only 20 percent, making him the least active member of the 10th Assembly.
“It is shameful that a serving member would resort to falsehood for cheap political relevance. Hon. Shittu has no bill, no motion, no contribution on the floor. His absenteeism at critical sessions, including budget presentation and oversight visits, is an embarrassment to the institution and his constituents,” the statement read.
Shittu, however, maintained that he was excluded from the loan approval process. In his own statement, he insisted that the House was on a six-week recess from July 31 to September 16, yet an emergency plenary was convened to approve the loan without proper communication to all members.
He also questioned the rationale behind the borrowing, citing the recent increase in Oyo State’s revenue allocations.
“With the state now receiving about a 500 percent rise in FAAC allocations, why is this loan necessary? Why was it treated as an emergency, and why were members not properly informed?” Shittu queried.
The development has widened divisions within the Assembly, with both sides trading accusations over transparency, accountability, and legislative responsibility.
