Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that he will not become a political godfather to whoever succeeds him as governor, promising a smooth transition and freedom for the next administration to govern without undue interference.
Makinde spoke on Monday while hosting members of the Muslim community at a Hijrah 1448 luncheon held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor said after completing eight years in office, he would not seek to remain in control of the state through his successor.
“I won’t be a political godfather to my successor. After eight years of serving the people of Oyo State, I will ensure that there is a smooth transition and that whoever succeeds me is given the opportunity to develop and implement policies in line with the aspirations and yearnings of the people,” he said.
Makinde said the essence of political leadership was not the ability to control those who came after a public office holder but the willingness to serve humanity and build institutions capable of benefiting citizens beyond an individual administration.
His comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections and the race to determine who takes over the Agodi Government House after his tenure.
In February, Makinde had said competence and loyalty to Oyo State, rather than personal loyalty to him, would determine his preferred successor. He also urged political actors to avoid returning the state to the era of political violence.
The 2027 calculations have since widened, with Makinde himself declaring his presidential ambition under the Allied Peoples Movement. The APM subsequently adopted former Oyo Commissioner for Finance, Abimbola Adekanmbi, as its governorship candidate.
Against this backdrop, Makinde’s latest declaration is likely to attract attention in a state where political succession remains one of the major issues shaping the next electoral cycle.
The governor urged eligible voters to examine the character, competence and record of aspirants rather than allowing ethnicity, religion or other primordial considerations to influence their choices.
“Leadership should be about service to humanity, not about control,” he said.
Makinde urged voters, particularly members of the Muslim community, to hold political aspirants accountable and ask what they had achieved, what they could do and whether they genuinely had the interests of the people at heart.
“Do not assess political aspirants based on ethnicity, religion or other primordial considerations. Look at their competence, their character and their commitment to public service,” he said.
The governor said governance must remain focused on improving the lives of citizens, adding that public office holders should place the collective interest above personal and political interests.
He also assured residents that his administration would remain focused on delivering projects and consolidating its achievements until the end of its tenure.
“Our remaining period in office will be dedicated to consolidating the achievements we have recorded so far and delivering more impactful projects and programmes for the benefit of our people across the state,” Makinde said.
He added that his administration would continue taking decisions aimed at promoting development, peace and prosperity while ensuring that public resources were used for the benefit of residents.
Makinde thanked the people of Oyo State for their confidence and support over the past eight years, while also commending the Muslim community for its partnership and contribution to the growth and stability of the state.
He said the government would continue to promote inclusive governance and ensure that every segment of Oyo State felt a sense of belonging.
The declaration comes as Makinde begins his annual leave from August 10, with Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal temporarily overseeing the affairs of the state. The governor is scheduled to resume official duties on September 14.
