MAKINDE, ALLI CLASH OVER DIESEL-POWERED STREETLIGHTS

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, have exchanged criticisms over the use of generators to power streetlights across Oyo State.
The dispute followed comments by Makinde questioning Alli’s experience as a lawyer. In response, Alli’s campaign organisation criticised the governor’s handling of the state’s streetlighting project, particularly the use of diesel-powered generators.
The campaign organisation questioned why diesel generators were being used to power a major public lighting project, arguing that solar and other energy-efficient alternatives could provide a more sustainable solution. It also raised questions about the cost of operating and maintaining the streetlights.
The organisation further questioned the amount reportedly spent on the streetlighting project and alleged that some infrastructure installed by the previous administration had been removed rather than upgraded. The claims were made by Alli’s campaign team and have become part of the ongoing political disagreement.
However, Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, defended the government’s decision, saying unreliable electricity supply from the national grid had made alternative power sources necessary. He said the state government would continue to ensure that major roads and public spaces remained adequately illuminated.
Olanrewaju also said the state was exploring alternative energy solutions, including solar power, while challenging Alli to direct concerns about electricity supply to the Federal Government. The exchange comes amid increasing political activity in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.