Oyo: Crisis As IGP Directs LGAs Takeover

But Fola James

Oyo State is currently on the brink of serious crisis.

Baring any last minute surprises the pacesetter state is on the verge of a violence clash between supporters of APC and ruling PDP over decision by the Inspector General of Police, to reinstate the chairmen of local governments sacked last year by Governor Seyi Makinde.

Recall that the governor removed the 33 council chairmen left by his predecessor, Abiola Ajimobi two months ago and appointmented caretaker chairmen for the councils.

But on January 14 this year the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, directed the reinstatement of the council heads, through a letter he wrote to the governor.

Governor Makinde had rebuffed the AGF, warning him to mind his business.

But the issue has now taken a different turn as the IGP has directed the state commissioner of police to provide support for the sacked LGAs bosses to return to office.

In a letter titled “Re: Federal Government Order to Governor Seyi Makinde to Reverse Sack of Local Government/ Local Council Development Areas Chairmen in Oyo State- Result for Police Protection, ”.the IGP directed the state police commissioner to make sure the former council heads returned to office.

The letter reads: “Your letter dated 21st, January 2020 on the above underlined subject, refers,

“I am to inform you that the inspector-general of police has directed the commissioner of police, Oyo state to initiate appropriate actions in line with the legal opinion of the attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice on the matter.

“You may accordingly, liaise with him to facilitate. Accept the assurances of the esteemed regards of the inspector general of police, please”.

The state government had asked the newly appointed caretaker chairmen to disregard the directive of the AGF, saying he lacks the constitutional powers to do so.