Oyo State Governor, Engineer. Seyi Makinde, has declared that competence and loyalty to the people of Oyo State not personal allegiance will determine who succeeds him in 2027.
He made the statement on Thursday at the 12th Omituntun Annual Ramadan Public Lecture held at Ibadan North Local Government Motor Park, Agodi Gate, Ibadan.
The governor said his administration’s achievements over the past seven years were made possible by his unwavering loyalty to the state. He cited the payment of over N25 billion to offset outstanding gratuities inherited from previous administrations and the increase of monthly gratuity payments from N1 billion to N3 billion, assuring that no retiree would be owed by May 2027.
Makinde also highlighted the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international status, expressing optimism that intending pilgrims would be airlifted for Hajj from the facility by May 2026.
He thanked the Muslim Ummah for their prayers and support since 2019, noting that the peace enjoyed in the state was made possible through collective cooperation.
Speaking on succession politics, the governor said some of his colleagues regretted supporting successors chosen mainly for personal loyalty. According to him, Oyo State would not repeat such mistakes,
“Whoever emerges as my successor must be loyal to Oyo State and committed to its development,” he stated, urging residents to pray for a peaceful transition devoid of political violence.
To commemorate the 12th edition of the lecture, Makinde donated seven buses to selected mosques across the state’s geopolitical zones and presented a brand
new SUV to the guest lecturer, Fadilat Sheikh Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi (Ami Olohun).
The event, chaired by former Governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, featured prayers for the state and drew attendance from top government officials, religious leaders and political stakeholders.
