Oyo Governor Makinde Accused Of Failing To Turn Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake To Global Tourist Centre

An indigene of Ado-Awaye in Oyo State, Comrade Ismael Taiwo, has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to fulfil his campaign promise to rehabilitate the world-famous Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, a natural wonder described as the only one of its kind in Africa and one of just two globally.

In an open letter obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, Taiwo, who identified himself as a stakeholder in Oyo State’s tourism development, said Makinde’s unfulfilled pledge had left the community disappointed and robbed the state of a potential multi-billion-naira revenue stream.

The letter reads: “Your pledge gave our community hope. We believed that, under your visionary leadership, Ado-Awaye would finally receive the facelift it deserves, matching or even surpassing other global wonders. However, with your tenure fast approaching its end, that promise remains unfulfilled, and our people continue to wait with growing disappointment.

“The potential of the Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake cannot be overstated. It is the only natural suspended lake in Africa and one of only two in the world, a unique natural wonder capable of attracting international tourists. Yet, despite its global significance, it still suffers neglect — poor infrastructure, lack of modern facilities, absence of structured marketing, and inadequate accessibility.

“During your campaign for a second term in office, you made a clear promise to rehabilitate and transform the Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake into a world-class tourist destination that would boost Oyo State’s economy, create jobs, and place our dear state on the global tourism map. But with your tenure fast approaching its end, that promise remains unfulfilled,” Taiwo wrote.

He lamented that despite being a unique global attraction, the suspended lake still suffers neglect, citing poor infrastructure, lack of modern facilities, and inadequate accessibility.

Taiwo contrasted the neglect of Ado-Awaye with the success story of Olumo Rock in neighbouring Ogun State, which after renovation reportedly generates over ₦20million weekly.

“If Olumo Rock can yield such returns, one can only imagine the economic transformation that a properly developed Ado-Awaye site would bring, not just for Iseyin zone, but for the entire state,” he said.

He argued that tourism could help diversify Oyo’s economy beyond oil and taxes while empowering local businesses, artisans, and youths through job creation and increased commercial activity.

“Oyo State is blessed with natural and cultural endowments, but tourism development requires deliberate investment and political will. The rehabilitation of Ado-Awaye would not only diversify the state’s economy but also empower our people who would thrive from the influx of visitors,” the letter added.

Calling on Governor Makinde to keep his word before leaving office, Taiwo warned that history would judge him harshly if he abandoned the project.

“Posterity will not forget a governor who turned untapped potential into prosperity. We are not asking for the impossible. We are simply asking you to keep your word and give Ado-Awaye the facelift it deserves,” he wrote.

“I therefore humbly appeal to you to remember your promise to Ado-Awaye and to act swiftly before the end of your administration. Posterity will not forget a governor who turned untapped potential into prosperity. Fulfilling this pledge will cement your legacy as a leader who truly invested in tourism and inclusive development,” the letter read.

“We are not asking for the impossible. We are simply asking you to keep your word, to give Ado-Awaye the facelift it deserves, and to make Oyo State a shining example of tourism-driven economic growth,” he added.