Makinde Says Oyo Voters, Not Godfathers, Will Choose 2027 Successor

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the decision on who succeeds him in 2027 lies solely with the people of the state, emphasizing that political godfathers or claims of entitlement will not determine the outcome.

Makinde made the statement on Thursday in Ibadan while flagging off the Zonal Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum and Engagement Meeting on the 2026 Budget.

“Oyo State has gone beyond the era of politics based on entitlement or propaganda. The people are now more politically enlightened and will only support leaders who present credible plans and demonstrate capacity for development,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey to the governorship, Makinde recalled that many doubted his ability to lead because he had never held political office before 2019.

“In 2018, when I was consulting to become governor, there was no yardstick to measure me. I had never been a councillor or a local government chairman, but I asked the people to trust me and judge me by my actions,” he stated.

The governor stressed that leadership should be about accountability, not entitlement, and urged political leaders to focus on initiatives that directly improve citizens’ lives rather than engaging in political theatrics.

Makinde highlighted his administration’s commitment to transparency and citizen participation, noting that since 2019, Oyo State has adopted a bottom-up approach to budgeting through annual stakeholder consultations.

He explained that the separation of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning from the Ministry of Finance was part of efforts to enhance fiscal management and improve the state’s development planning.

According to him, the consultative forums have contributed to better budget performance and accelerated economic growth in the state.

Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to creating a safe, investment-friendly environment, pointing to major infrastructure projects such as the Moniya–Iseyin Road, Iseyin–Ogbomoso Road, and Oyo–Iseyin Road as examples of ongoing efforts to open up rural areas and curb rural-urban migration.

He expressed confidence that the people of Oyo State would continue to support leaders who prioritize progress, inclusivity, and the welfare of all citizens over personal ambition.

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