Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State announced on Tuesday night that the All Progressives Congress and any other political party that satisfies the prescribed requirements may utilise the state’s public venues, including the historic Mapo Hall, for campaign activities.
The declaration was issued in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and subsequently supplied to the Daily Post. Makinde stressed that no party should be barred from accessing government facilities provided they comply with the established conditions.
He emphasized that public assets belong to the citizens of Oyo and that any usage must be conducted in a transparent and equitable manner. According to the governor, “Any political party or organisation that fulfils the stipulated conditions should not face discrimination or unjust restrictions in accessing such facilities.”
Mapo Hall, a colonial‑era municipal building erected in 1926, serves as a landmark venue for official ceremonies, cultural events and public gatherings in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Under Oyo State’s Public Facilities Utilisation Guidelines, any organization seeking to use government‑owned venues must submit a written request, demonstrate compliance with security protocols, and guarantee that the event will not incur costs to the state treasury.
The governor’s remarks respond to growing concerns over the APC’s proposed campaign rally at Mapo Hall. By affirming open access, Makinde aims to assure that the allocation of state properties for political events remains fair and non‑partisan.
In recent years, opposition parties have accused the state government of favouring the ruling party by granting exclusive access to venues such as the State Secretariat and the University of Ibadan auditorium, prompting calls for a more level playing field.
Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, confirmed that the statement reflects the administration’s commitment to uphold constitutional rights to political association and assembly.
What prompted the governor’s statement? The issue surfaced after reports indicated the APC intended to hold a presidential campaign event at the colonial‑era Mapo Hall, sparking calls for clarification on whether the venue would be reserved exclusively for the ruling party. Makinde’s response seeks to dispel allegations of favouritism.