Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde Says People, Not Political Godfathers, Will Decide 2027 Successor
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has insisted that the decision on who will succeed him in 2027 lies entirely with the people, not political godfathers or entitlement claims. He made the comments on Thursday in Ibadan while inaugurating the zonal stakeholders’ consultative forum and engagement meeting on the 2026 Budget. Makinde highlighted that eligible voters across the state will ultimately decide the next governor. “Oyo State has moved beyond politics based on entitlement or propaganda. The people are now politically aware and will support leaders who present credible plans and demonstrate the ability to deliver development,” he said. Reflecting on his own journey to the governorship in 2019, Makinde stressed that leadership is rooted in accountability rather than entitlement. He recalled facing skepticism because he had never held political office prior to his election. “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 said. The governor urged political leaders to focus on policies and initiatives that positively affect citizens’ lives instead of political theatrics, noting that his administration has maintained a clear roadmap for Oyo State’s development—one that people can evaluate and hold accountable.
