Strong institutions, not infrastructure, will define my legacy — Makinde

By Adejayan Gbenga

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said his administration will be remembered more for establishing strong institutions that promote good governance, accountability and the rule of law than for physical infrastructure alone.

Makinde stated this on Thursday during the commissioning of the headquarters of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLA), stressing that sustainable governance required institutions capable of functioning effectively beyond changes in political leadership.

The governor listed OYRLA, the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development, the Project Performance Monitoring Agency, Amotekun Corps, the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency and the Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency among the institutions established by his administration. “I believe that this administration will be remembered for the institutions that we have created that will ensure good governance beyond the tenure of this administration,” he said, adding that the agencies were designed to strengthen governance and ensure continuity in public service delivery.

“These are institutions that we did not meet on the ground, but we have created, and those institutions will guarantee good governance,” Makinde said. He added, “In Oyo State, we believe we don’t need strong men; we need strong institutions.” The presidential candidate further described the rule of law as a cornerstone of good governance, noting that respect for citizens’ rights and impartial enforcement of laws were essential for maintaining public order, attracting investment, stimulating economic growth and improving residents’ quality of life.

Makinde commended the Oyo State House of Assembly for passing the law establishing OYRLA and praised its chairperson, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, for her professionalism and suitability for the position. Recalling their earlier differences over a court judgment concerning the dissolution of local government administrations after his election in 2019, the governor said subsequent interactions had strengthened his appreciation of her character and integrity. He explained that her appointment was based on her capacity to contribute to the state’s development rather than personal considerations.

Following the commissioning of the headquarters, Makinde challenged the authority’s officials to uphold professionalism and ensure compliance with the law across the state. Earlier, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, described the project as evidence of the government’s commitment to institution-building. He recalled that the Assembly passed the law establishing OYRLA in February 2024, adding that the authority was responsible for enforcing state laws on environmental protection, sanitation, waste control, traffic management, open rearing and grazing, among other areas.

Ogundoyin urged the authority to operate transparently and accountably, while recommending the digitisation of its maiden magazine to educate residents about their rights, responsibilities and relevant state laws. In her remarks, Aderemi said the new headquarters would improve coordination, efficiency and enforcement capacity. She added that the authority would continue to collaborate with security agencies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to promote compliance with the law while respecting fundamental rights.

The event also featured the unveiling of OYRLA’s maiden magazine and was attended by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, government officials, security commanders and other stakeholders.