By Divine Sam

The Oyo PDP has challenged Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration over reports concerning Cheshire Home in Ibadan, insisting that the interests of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable residents must not be sacrificed.

The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration against converting Cheshire Home in Ibadan into a private estate, saying such a move could worsen the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The party’s position was contained in a statement signed by its chairman, Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso, and made available to DAILY POST.

Cheshire Home, located along the Sango-Eleyele Road in Ibadan North Local Government Area, was established in 1959 as a non-profit organisation providing care, medical treatment, education and vocational training for children and adults with disabilities, as well as rescued street youths.

The controversy followed reports that the state government was planning to convert the property into a private estate. In response to the reports, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, maintained that the government’s actions had followed due process.

However, Akinoso criticised the reported plan, describing it as a troubling development that could further disadvantage people who depend on the facility for support and care. He called on the governor to reverse the decision.

In the statement, the PDP said, “Oyo State government’s admission of converting Cheshire Home land at Eleyele to a private estate is a shame. The Peoples Democratic Party Oyo State, read the statement signed by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Makinde, admitting conversion of Cheshire Home land to a private estate with disdain.

“The claim of using “due process” is an oppressive method to subdue the interest of less privileged citizens in which Cheshire Home belongs. It is sad and disheartening that the Oyo State government can descend low to use instruments of office to hijack properties of a non-profit organisation set up since 1959 to provide a supportive, family-like environment, care, medical treatment, education, and vocational training for disabled children and adults, including rescued street youth.

“What is expected of a good and caring government that we presently lack in Oyo State is to protect the interests of the citizens, especially people with disabilities, not converting their properties to private use, which the Oyo State government of the day is known for. The Peoples Democratic Party kicks against this impunity and assures Cheshire Home management and other victims of state land grabbers that the decision will be reversed. To achieve this, Oyo residents must use their votes to reject the continuation of the official land grabbers in any disguise”.

The party said it opposed what it described as the misuse of government authority over property belonging to a non-profit organisation and pledged to support efforts to reverse the decision.

It also urged residents of Oyo State to make the issue a consideration when voting, arguing that the government should prioritise protecting vulnerable citizens rather than taking actions that could threaten the services available to them.