By Adeola Badru
IBADAN — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he will not become a political godfather who dictates the affairs of government or interferes in the administration of his successor after leaving office in 2027.
Makinde said leadership should be about service to the people rather than the exercise of political control.
The governor made the declaration 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.
Makinde, who is serving his final term in office, said he was committed to ensuring a smooth transition to the next administration and would give his successor the freedom required to govern in accordance with the aspirations and expectations of the people of the state.
He said having spent eight years in office serving the people of Oyo State, he would not seek to remain in control of the government after his tenure, stressing that his successor must be allowed to provide leadership without undue interference.
“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.
According to him, the essence of political leadership should not be the ability to control those who come after a public office holder, but the willingness to serve humanity and leave behind institutions and structures that can continue to benefit the people.
The governor, therefore, urged residents, particularly members of the Muslim community, to pay close attention to the qualities of candidates seeking political offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, rather than allowing ethnic, religious or other primordial considerations to determine their choices.
Makinde said political aspirants should be subjected to rigorous scrutiny on the basis of their competence, character and commitment to public service, insisting that the quality of leadership produced through the electoral process would ultimately determine the direction and development of the state.
He said, “Leadership should be about service to humanity, not about control. As we approach another election period, I want to urge our people, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, to hold those seeking political office accountable.
“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.
“Ask yourselves what they have done, what they can do and whether they genuinely have the interest of the people at heart.”
The governor further stressed that governance must remain centred on improving the quality of life of citizens, maintaining that public office holders must place the collective interest above personal, partisan or political considerations.
“Governance is about improving the lives of the people. Those entrusted with public office must always put the interest of the citizens above their personal interests or political interests. That is the essence of leadership and that is what our people deserve,” he said.
Makinde also assured residents that his administration would remain focused on delivering good governance and consolidating its achievements throughout the remainder of its tenure.
He noted that the government would use the remaining period in office to strengthen the gains already recorded and execute more impactful projects and programmes capable of producing tangible benefits for residents across Oyo State.
“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,” the governor said.
He added that his administration would continue to take decisions and implement policies aimed at promoting development, peace and prosperity in the state until the expiration of his tenure.
“Until the expiration of this administration, we will continue to make decisions and take actions that will promote development, peace and prosperity in Oyo State. We will continue to work for the people and ensure that the resources entrusted to us are used for the benefit of the people,” Makinde said.
The governor expressed appreciation to the people of Oyo State for the confidence they had reposed in his administration and for the support extended to his government throughout the past eight years.
He acknowledged that the progress recorded by the state could not be attributed to government alone, noting the importance of the cooperation and contributions of various groups and communities, including the Muslim community.
Makinde specifically thanked members of the Muslim community for their partnership, support and contributions to the growth, peace and stability of Oyo State.
“I want to appreciate the people of Oyo State for the confidence and support you have given this administration over the last eight years. We do not take that support for granted.
“I also want to sincerely appreciate the Muslim community for your partnership and your contributions to the growth and stability of our state. Your support has been important to the progress we have made.”
He assured the Muslim community and other residents that his administration would continue to uphold the principles of inclusiveness and fairness in the conduct of government affairs, irrespective of religious, ethnic or other differences.
The governor said his administration would remain committed to ensuring that every segment of the state felt a sense of belonging in governance, while continuing to pursue policies and programmes designed to promote unity, development and shared prosperity.
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