Makinde rules out godfather role, urges voters to choose competent leaders

By Adejayan Gbenga

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said he would not become a political godfather or seek to control his successor after completing his eight-year tenure in 2027.

Makinde made this known on Monday at a Hijrah 1448 luncheon organised for members of the Muslim community at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

With political activities building ahead of the 2027 elections, the governor said his priority after leaving office would be to ensure a smooth and peaceful transfer of power while allowing his successor to govern according to their own vision.

He said governance should focus on serving the people rather than controlling future administrations, stressing that political power should not be used to establish a system of perpetual influence.

Makinde also urged Oyo residents to look beyond religion, ethnicity and other primordial sentiments when choosing the next governor, advising them to consider the competence, character, integrity and public-service record of each aspirant.

According to him, the true measure of leadership is the difference an administration makes in the lives of ordinary citizens, warning against using political office to advance personal interests.

Meanwhile, Makinde assured residents that his administration would use the remainder of its tenure to consolidate its achievements and complete additional projects and programmes aimed at delivering socioeconomic benefits across the state.

He thanked the people of Oyo State for their continued support and commended the Muslim community for its partnership with the government, while reiterating his commitment to inclusive governance, peace, stability and prosperity until the end of his administration.