Makinde: APC can use Mapo Hall if it meets laid-down requirements

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said no political party should be denied access to public facilities if it meets the conditions for their use, following concerns over the rejection of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s request to use Mapo Hall in Ibadan for its presidential campaign.

Makinde stated his position on Tuesday through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, after the APC’s application to use the venue was turned down.

The request was declined by the Ibadan Local Governments Properties company, which manages the facility. In a letter signed by its Principal Executive Officer I, Akano Musibau, the company said the proposed date was unavailable because another applicant had booked the venue earlier.

The rejection drew attention because Mapo Hall has hosted major political events in Oyo State, including Makinde’s declaration of his presidential ambition in May 2026 under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Makinde said public facilities belong to the people of Oyo State and should be managed fairly, regardless of the political affiliation of those seeking access.

“Public assets belong to the people of Oyo State and must be administered in a manner that is transparent, equitable, and devoid of partisan considerations,” the governor said.

He added that access to government-owned facilities was subject to established procedures covering their use, maintenance and public order.

The governor maintained that political parties and other organisations that satisfy the requirements should not face discrimination or unjust restrictions. He also urged public officials responsible for handling such applications to act professionally and fairly.

Makinde’s intervention sets out his administration’s position on the dispute: access to public facilities should depend on compliance with established rules, not party affiliation. The government also called on political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly.