Oyo 2027: PDP’s Gbolarumi Advocates for Local Government Autonomy, Questions Makinde’s N100bn Loan

In an interview with Tribune Online, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarunmi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Oyo State, expressed his support for local government autonomy and questioned the necessity of Governor Seyi Makinde’s N100bn loan. According to Gbolarunmi, the lack of autonomy for local governments in Oyo State has resulted in inefficiencies and a failure to effectively address the needs of the people at the grassroots level. He argued that, if elected, he would work to establish a more autonomous and effective local government system in the state. Gbolarunmi also expressed concerns about the N100bn loan that Governor Makinde recently sought to secure from the capital market, stating that he believed the loan was not necessary and that the funds could have been raised through more efficient budgeting and revenue collection. The interview comes as the 2027 Oyo State gubernatorial election approaches, with Gbolarunmi and Governor Makinde set to face off in a highly anticipated contest. While Makinde has yet to comment on Gbolarunmi’s criticisms, the issue of local government autonomy and fiscal management is likely to be a key focus of the campaign.