By Seyi Odewale
The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of playing politics with national infrastructure by launching what it described as “unprovoked and divisive attacks” on the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, over the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
In a statement jointly signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Chinyereze Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze said Makinde’s repeated media outbursts against Umahi appeared to be politically motivated and aimed at discrediting one of President Bola Tinubu’s flagship projects.
“Ohanaeze is deeply concerned that Governor Makinde’s comments are not only inflammatory but could jeopardise inter-ethnic harmony at a time when the nation is working to consolidate unity under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.
The group urged Makinde to seek clarification through official channels rather than “grandstanding in the media to score political points.”
It further warned that such actions could reignite old Yoruba-Igbo tensions and undermine the collective effort to build trust between the two ethnic groups.
Cautioning that “Makinde’s tone aligns suspiciously with opposition elements bent on frustrating Tinubu’s development agenda,” Ohanaeze called on the governor to publicly retract his comments and apologise to both the President and the Minister of Works.
The group stressed that the Coastal Highway project is not an ethnic or partisan issue but a strategic national investment with immense economic benefits, especially for southern Nigeria.
“Ohanaeze will resist any attempt to use regional sentiment or political rivalry to frustrate federal development initiatives,” the statement concluded, reaffirming the group’s commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria.
