Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said he will not interfere in the governance of the state or act as a political godfather to any politician after the expiration of his tenure in May 2027.
He also assured that the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Bimbo Adekanmbi, and his running mate, Muftau Open Salawu, would govern independently, if elected.
Governor Makinde gave the assurances on Monday at the Hijrah 1448 Luncheon, held at the State Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
He said his administration has fulfilled most of its promises and will ensure a seamless transition, allowing his successor to introduce policies that meet the expectations of Oyo State residents.
Makinde and Oyo governance post-May 2027
He emphasised that leadership must serve humanity and meet citizens’ aspirations, urging residents to evaluate politicians based on competence, character, and commitment to public service, rather than ethnic, religious, or other sentiments.
Makinde also called on governorship candidates in the state to embrace issue-based campaigns, instead of spreading division ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor restated that his administration will use the remaining nine months to consolidate achievements by delivering more impactful projects.
He also assured that he will be making decisions that promote development, peace, and prosperity.
He expressed gratitude to the Muslim Ummah for their prayers and support, which he said contributed to the state’s unprecedented progress.
Makinde stated: “This is the last Hijrah I will attend as governor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to thank the Muslim community for their support.
“In the 2023 elections, despite calls for Muslims not to vote for me, I received massive support and won by a wide margin. That was possible because Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists stood with us.
“I promise I will not be anyone’s godfather, including Bimbo Adekanmbi and Open Salawu. If given the opportunity, they will be accountable to the people of Oyo State.”
Makinde also commended security agencies for their role in maintaining peace in the state and securing the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Guest Lecturer, Sheik Ismael Adekunle Usain, speaking on “Qualities of a Good Leader,” praised Makinde’s uncommon leadership virtues.
He described the governor as reliable, focused, intelligent, patient, dedicated, and compassionate.
Chairman of the occasion and chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Saka Balogun, and called for continued support and prayers for the success of APM at the polls in 2027.
In his remarks, the state APM governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, thanked the Muslim faithful for their unwavering support to the present administration.
He assured them that he would continue the Hijrah celebration and all other events pertaining to Islam, if elected governor of the state, and called on them to massively support the party.
Earlier in his welcome address, APM’s deputy governorship candidate, Mufutau Open Salawu, said the Hijrah Luncheon served as an opportunity to thank God for sustaining and supporting the programme every year.
He also called for massive votes from the people of the state for the party in the 2027 general election.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, in his vote of thanks, urged residents to remain united regardless of religious differences.
Labour leaders, clerics, and community representatives, in their goodwill messages, commended Makinde’s leadership, citing his achievements in recruitment, infrastructure, and security.
The event was attended by Acting Governor ‘Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Deputy Speaker Mohammed Fadeyi; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu;
Member representing Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency, Hon Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, and member representing Iseyin/Kajola/Iwajowa/Itesiwaju Federal Constituency, Hon Najimdeen Oyeshina Oyedeji.
Also in attendance were the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima; President of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice T.M. Abdulganiyu; Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Adenike Fashina, mni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi: commissioners, permanent secretaries;
Professor Kamil Oloso, Iya Adinni of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sekinat Adekola; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adeniyi Ajewole; members of the League of Imams and Alfas; traditional rulers; Labour Union leaders; service commanders, and other top government functionaries.
