Makinde directs release of Mapo Hall premises to APC

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has directed the release of Mapo Hall premises in Ibadan to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its presidential campaign rally.

An earlier online report had said that the APC was denied access to the venue by Ibadan Local Governments Properties Company Limited because the facility had already been booked by another applicant for the same date. 

The rejection letter, according to the report, said “the proposed date is not available based on the fact that it has been booked by another applicant earlier.”

Following the report, Governor Makinde directed the management of Ibadan Local Governments Properties Company Limited to make the grounds available to the APC and provide a suitable alternative venue for those who had earlier paid for the place.

The Governor, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equal access to public facilities for all political parties, said no party should be discriminated against if it meets the established requirements for their use.

Makinde, according to a statement by his special adviser on media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, maintained that public facilities belong to the people and should be managed transparently and fairly, irrespective of the political affiliation of those seeking to use them.

He said, “No political party should be denied access to public facilities in Oyo State provided the established requirements for their use are duly satisfied.”

He noted that his administration was committed to providing a level playing field for political stakeholders, stressing that democracy thrives when parties have equal opportunities to engage with the electorate within the framework of the law.

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“Public assets belong to the people of Oyo State and must be administered in a manner that is transparent, equitable, and devoid of partisan considerations,” the governor said.

Makinde explained that access to government-owned facilities was subject to established procedures and regulations designed to ensure their proper use, maintenance and the preservation of public order.

He added that any political party or organisation that fulfilled the stipulated conditions should not face discrimination or unjust restrictions in accessing such facilities.

The governor also urged political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly, while calling on relevant authorities to handle requests for the use of public facilities professionally and without bias.