“BILLBOARD VANDALISM”: Makinde’s Oyo APM Has Stooped So Low | By Yusuf Olatunji Alabi

There have been reports from different parts of Ibadan where Senator SHARAFADEEN ABIODUN ALLI’s billboards are being vandalised on a daily basis.

This action not only shows the political intolerance of Governor Makinde’s administration but also exposes the level at which the administration operates and the kind of lawlessness we have been plunged into under this administration.

Our dear state has long moved past this kind of political tantrum. We have since moved to a higher level of civility, where every political party has its say and its way. The state accommodates every candidate and party in their activities without fear or intimidation.

It is only in Oyo State that we have consistently had diverse political parties occupying the House of Assembly since 1999. This is because Oyo State is the centre of political civilisation in the whole of South-West Nigeria, if not the entire country.

This is the root of politics, and we have evolved beyond political bitterness and hooliganism. That is why every election brings new political parties, alignments and realignments, as well as fair dealing and competition.

The late Governor Ajimobi warned against this kind of politics. In one of his viral videos, he warned against thuggery and hooliganism, declaring that he had ended that era. But here we are today.

Governor Makinde’s first term was characterised by political intimidation involving Mukaila Auxiliary and his co-political enforcers, with candidates being intimidated and threatened during the election season. This is Omituntun 2.0, where the boys have graduated to attacking billboards.

Funny, but pathetic!

Billboard destruction on the streets, cyber campaigns of calumny, and personal attacks in the media—this is not how a civilised and organised campaign is run. You have stooped so low, especially for an administration led by people who pride themselves on being elites.

This administration cannot take us back to the days of Operation Wetie, which Governor Makinde himself once invoked as a threat to the federal rulling party in one of his deceitful opposition gathering in Ibadan.

Opposition parties have remained watchful and determined to put an end to these shenanigans come 2027. We have seen enough and do not wish to see any more. The degradation of our political environment is disturbing, and we are worried about the direction our dear state is heading in, with politics descending to such a disgraceful and low level of operation.

This is unacceptable.

Billboards pose no threat. Warn your boys!