The Oyo State House of Assembly has dismissed an allegation that it secretly approved a N300 million loan request for the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The allegation was raised on Wednesday by Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, who alleged that the approval was secretly granted during an emergency plenary session.
In a statement jointly signed by the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT, Hon. Waheed Akintayo (Ilumoka), the Assembly described Shittu’s claims as “not only misleading but a reflection of his complete disconnect from legislative responsibilities.”
“It is not only unfortunate but shameful that a serving member of the Assembly would resort to falsehood for cheap political relevance. Emergency plenaries are not illegal; they are constitutional and practised in all serious legislatures across Nigeria, including the National Assembly,” the statement read.
The lawmakers clarified that the N300 billion loan package included N149 billion earmarked to refinance an existing facility with United Bank for Africa (UBA), while only N151 billion represented a new request for infrastructure and contractors’ financing.
The Assembly also criticised Shittu’s record in office, accusing him of poor attendance and lack of participation in legislative duties.
The statement said, "Upon verification, Hon. Shittu’s attendance at plenary sessions stands at a dismal 20%, making him the least active member of the 10th Assembly.
“Hon. Shittu is always absent at all critical legislative sittings such as the budget presentation and the State of the State Address by the Governor. Hon. Shittu was the only member who failed to participate in the recently concluded extensive oversight visits to executive and local government projects across the state.
“His absence extended to all previous oversight duties and committee assignments, where his contributions are either non-existent or irrelevant.”
The statement further accused the lawmaker of failing his constituents, saying, “It is clear that Hon. Shittu has not only failed his constituents but also betrayed the legislative mandate he was entrusted with”.
“He has no bill, no motion, no contribution on the floor, and now seeks to cover his ineffectiveness with lies,” it added.
“Rather than peddle unfounded allegations, Hon. Shittu should redirect his energy towards becoming a functional legislator. His pattern of absenteeism and non-participation is an embarrassment to the institution and to the people of Saki West.”
Shittu earlier insisted he was not part of the loan approval process.
"I want it to be in record that I, Hon Shittu Ibraheem, representing Saki West state constituency in Oyo State House of Assembly, am not among other lawmakers who approved a loan of 300 billion naira on 19th August 2025 and perfected on 26th of August 2025 in an emergency sitting during our 6-week recess," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
He explained that the Assembly was on recess when the loan was passed.
"The House is currently on a 6-week recess from July 31st to September 16th, 2025. But an emergency plenary session was arranged to approve such a loan without communicating it to all members."
The lawmaker also questioned the necessity of the loan despite what he described as rising revenue inflows.
"Loan at this time when all states have more than enough. Oyo State now receives about a 500% increase in FAAC. Why take this loan? Why is the loan an emergency and why was the sitting not communicated to all the honorable members?" he asked.
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