The attention of the Oyo State Government has been drawn to a Sahara Reporters publication claiming that the State spent ₦683.7 million to purchase two vehicles, a Toyota Camry (2004 model) and a Toyota Hiace 10-seater bus. This claim is not only false, it is a textbook example of sensationalism built on a misreading of official documents.
These are the facts.
The ₦683.7m figure is not a vehicle procurement cost. The amount appears under the budget line titled “Advertisement and Publicity Awareness for the Public.”
This is a programme‑level expenditure, covering multiple activities and components. The vehicles mentioned in the report were merely part of the programme’s logistics, not standalone purchases valued at ₦683m.
The audited financial statement does not assign ₦683m to two vehicles.
Sahara Reporters’ article admits that the document: “does not provide a breakdown of how much was spent on the Toyota Camry and the Hiace bus,” “does not state the individual prices,” and “does not indicate whether other expenses were included.” Despite these admissions, the outlet published a headline that contradicts the content of the document.
Actual vehicle procurement figures in the same report show normal market‑aligned pricing.
The audited statement lists: Toyota Coaster (30‑seater, 2015): ₦140 million, Toyota Hiace Hummer Bus (2021): ₦156.95 million, Toyota Corolla (2019/2020): ₦28.98 million and ₦50.71 million
These figures demonstrate that the government’s procurement practices follow standard pricing. It is therefore illogical to suggest that the state paid ₦683m for a 2004 Camry and a 10‑seater Hiace.
The Sahara Reporters’ headline is a distortion built on assumption rather than evidence. No line item in the audited financial statement supports the claim that Oyo State spent ₦683m on two vehicles. The public deserves accurate information, not sensationalism.
The Seyi Makinde-led administration in Oyo State remains committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management. Our audited financial statements are publicly available and prepared in accordance with statutory requirements. We welcome scrutiny, but such scrutiny must be grounded in facts.
The claim that Oyo State spent ₦683m to purchase two vehicles is false, misleading, and inconsistent with the financial records cited. We urge media organisations to uphold professional standards and avoid misrepresenting government documents.
Signed
Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor of Oyo State
September 16, 2026.