By Erewunmi Peace

A fresh controversy has emerged in Oyo State after a lawmaker raised an alarm over what he described as the “secret” approval of a ₦300 billion loan for the state government led by Governor Seyi Makinde.

Hon. Shittu Ibraheem, representing Saki West in the Oyo State House of Assembly, claimed the approval was granted during the Assembly’s recess without his knowledge or involvement.

“The loan was passed while we were on recess. I was not part of any emergency sitting, and I totally dissociate myself from this approval,” Ibraheem stated.

According to the lawmaker, the loan approval was allegedly finalized between August 19 and August 26, 2025, sparking concerns about transparency in the legislative process. He also questioned the rationale behind fresh borrowing despite the state’s reportedly increased federal allocations.

However, the Oyo State House of Assembly leadership has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that lawmakers were duly notified of an emergency sitting. In a statement, the Assembly clarified that the ₦300 billion package includes both refinancing of existing debts (₦149 billion) and new borrowing (₦151 billion) to fund ongoing projects.

The development has stirred political debate in the state, with critics calling for greater transparency and accountability in public debt management.