Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that competence and allegiance to the collective interest of Oyo people not personal loyalty will determine who succeeds him in 2027.
Governor Makinde made the remarks at the 12th Omituntun Annual Ramadan Public Lecture held at the Ibadan North Local Government Motor Park, Agodi Gate, Ibadan, where he addressed political stakeholders and members of the Muslim community.
Reflecting on leadership transitions across the country, the governor said some of his colleagues regretted backing successors who later deviated from their expectations after assuming office.
According to Makinde, such experiences often stemmed from prioritising personal loyalty above broader state interest.
He also stressed that his administration would not repeat that mistake.
“Whoever emerges as the next governor of Oyo State must be loyal to the state and its people, not to me as an individual,” Makinde said, adding that competence would remain a non-negotiable requirement.
The governor warned against a relapse into political violence, urging residents and political actors to uphold peace regardless of party affiliation.
He further called for prayers and collective commitment to ensure a smooth and stable transition in 2027.
Makinde linked his succession philosophy to what he described as his administration’s loyalty to Oyo State, noting that governance decisions had consistently prioritised public welfare.
He disclosed that over N25 billion had been paid to clear inherited gratuity arrears, while monthly payments to retirees had been increased from N1 billion to N3 billion.
The governor expressed confidence that by May 2027, no retiree would be owed outstanding gratuities.
Among key infrastructure projects, he cited the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international status.
Makinde expressed optimism that the facility would begin airlifting Hajj pilgrims by May 2026, describing the development as a major milestone for the state.
The governor thanked the Muslim community for its support since he assumed office in 2019 and urged continued prayers for his administration.
As part of activities marking the lecture, Makinde donated seven buses to mosques across the state and presented a new SUV to the guest lecturer, Sheikh Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi, popularly known as Ami Olohun.
In his sermon on contentment, Sheikh Sanusi commended the government’s developmental strides and cautioned residents against individuals he described as agents of discord.
He encouraged peaceful coexistence and gratitude.
Former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja, also spoke at the event, describing Ramadan as a season that teaches perseverance, sacrifice and tolerance.
With the 2027 governorship race gradually approaching, Makinde’s remarks signal an early attempt to shape the narrative around succession one anchored, he insists, on service to Oyo State above personal allegiance.
