Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is under intense scrutiny following its decision to convert a portion of the historic Oyo State Library in Dugbe, Ibadan, into a shopping complex.
The move has sparked widespread criticism from various stakeholders, including academics, opposition parties, and rights groups, who accuse the state government of prioritizing commerce over education.
Historical Legacy of the Oyo State Library
Established in 1955 as the Western Regional Library, the Oyo State Library Board was part of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education initiative. Strategically sited in Dugbe, a commercial hub in Ibadan, the library was designed to support education, encourage a reading culture, and serve as a monument and tourist attraction.
Many who benefitted from the library lament its proposed conversion.
Dr. Anjola Adedeji, a former patron in the 1960s, said, “This library shaped my education. It allowed children like me, whose parents couldn’t afford books, access to quality reading materials. Converting it into a shopping complex is a slap on the legacy of Chief Awolowo.”
Political Backlash and Accusations
The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the decision, labeling it “shameful and ill-conceived.” APC spokesperson Olawale Sadare criticized the administration for allegedly selling off public assets, stating, “This administration is relegating education and research development to the background by converting this historic library into a shopping mall.”
The APC further accused the Makinde administration of a pattern of “fraudulent lease or concession of public facilities,” referencing similar cases like the Agbowo Shopping Complex in Ibadan.
In response, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defended the decision, arguing that the section being converted was a bushy, neglected area that had become a haven for criminals. Acting PDP spokesperson Michael Ogunsina stated, “The library itself remains intact, and plans are underway to relocate it to a more conducive site with better facilities, including a 200-seater CBT center.”
Civil Society and Public Outcry
Rights groups like the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have expressed strong opposition to the move. MURIC’s State Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, described the decision as a “disregard for education,” adding, “Converting a public library into a commercial space deprives the community of a valuable resource essential for education, research, and community development.”
Former governorship aspirant Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao also criticized Governor Makinde, accusing him of promoting “land-grabbing activities.”
Alao stated, “Instead of addressing educational challenges, our governor prioritizes constructing malls. Oyo State currently ranks 26th in WAEC performance, with 272,847 out-of-school children—this decision further jeopardizes our education sector.”
Public affairs analyst Kazeem Olalekan Israel echoed these sentiments, pointing to UNICEF data showing Oyo State’s high number of out-of-school children. He argued, “Libraries play a crucial role in fostering literacy and education. Instead of converting libraries to malls, the government should invest in maintaining and funding them.”
Government’s Defense and Future Plans
A government official, speaking anonymously, defended the decision, explaining that the neglected portion of the library premises had been unused for years.
“The main library structure remains intact, and the government plans to relocate it to a more suitable location to better serve the public,” the official said.
The official added that the Makinde administration remains committed to education through its free education policy and other initiatives. “This government prioritizes education and has consistently worked to improve the quality of learning for pupils in Oyo State,” he stated.
Calls for Reconsideration
As criticism mounts, calls for Governor Makinde to rescind the decision continue to grow. Stakeholders insist that preserving the library’s legacy is critical to maintaining its role in fostering education and literacy. Whether the administration will revisit its decision remains to be seen.
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