A Muslim advocacy group, the Oyo Muslim Development Forum (OMDF), has alleged that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde is frustrating infrastructure projects linked to areas surrounding Ilaji Hotels and Resorts because of the political position of Ibadan-based businessman and philanthropist, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The group made the allegation in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday, claiming that recent developments concerning road projects and infrastructure within the Ona-Ara axis have raised concerns among residents and stakeholders.
According to the group, Sanusi, who publicly supported Governor Makinde’s governorship bids in 2019 and 2023, is now allegedly facing indirect political pressure because of his perceived support for the emergence of a Muslim candidate in the 2027 Oyo governorship race.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, its coordinator, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Adebisi, said it would be unfair for developmental projects that benefit thousands of residents and businesses to become casualties of political disagreements.
“We are concerned by reports and perceptions among residents that projects capable of opening up the Ona-Ara corridor and improving access to economic hubs around Ilaji are being slowed down or frustrated for political reasons. If true, such actions would hurt ordinary citizens more than any political actor,” he said.
The group argued that infrastructure projects should be driven by public interest rather than political considerations, noting that communities within the corridor stand to benefit from improved transportation, commerce, tourism, and investment opportunities.
OMDF further maintained that the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 election should not affect governance or ongoing development efforts across the state.
“Regardless of political affiliations or future ambitions, every citizen has the constitutional right to support candidates of their choice. Development projects funded with public resources should not be influenced by political calculations,” the statement added.
The group also called on the Oyo State Government to provide clarification on the status of road projects within the affected areas in order to dispel what it described as growing public speculation.
It urged political stakeholders to avoid introducing religious sentiments into the state’s political landscape, stressing that Oyo State has historically enjoyed peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo State Government nor representatives of Engr. Dotun Sanusi had issued official statements regarding the allegations.
