The Oyo State Government has dismissed claims that the state has been absent from National Economic Council (NEC) meetings, insisting that its representation has remained consistent and in line with established procedures.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on October 15, 2026, the government described the allegation by Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi as unfounded, stating that the governor had formally notified the Vice President, who chairs the NEC, that Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal would represent the state at council meetings.
The government explained that NEC guidelines permit states to be represented by either their governors or deputy governors, noting that several states adopt the same arrangement to ensure continuity and effective participation in council deliberations.
It added that NEC meetings provide an important platform for intergovernmental cooperation, policy coordination and access to federal development initiatives, particularly in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development, digital enterprise, food security and climate resilience.
According to the statement, Deputy Governor Lawal has consistently attended NEC meetings since 2025 and contributed to discussions to protect the state’s interests. The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning also participates, providing technical support to strengthen the state’s submissions and engagement.
The government maintained that the effectiveness of Oyo State’s participation should be measured by the quality of its representation, the issues raised and the benefits secured, rather than whether Governor Makinde personally attends every meeting.
It further argued that judging the state’s participation solely by the governor’s physical presence overlooks established procedures and the technical support provided during NEC engagements. The government insisted that Oyo State had neither forfeited any benefits nor been sidelined in the council’s activities.
The statement also questioned the political context of Sanusi’s comments, alleging that his recent political positions could have influenced his remarks. It maintained that criticism of government activities should be based on verifiable facts and a clear understanding of established institutional procedures.
Reaffirming its position, the Oyo State Government said the state’s interests remained its priority and that its representation at NEC had ensured its voice was heard and its interests protected. It urged the public to assess the state’s participation based on facts and outcomes rather than what it described as politically motivated claims.
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