Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents that the legacy of his administration will endure beyond the expiration of his tenure in May 2027, declaring that members of his governing team remain positioned to continue delivering good governance in various capacities.
Makinde gave the assurance on Sunday during a Thanksgiving Service marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan.
He said his administration has laid strong foundations to guide the state into its next phase of development.
While noting that only his tenure would end, the governor stressed that his team remains intact and committed to sustaining the reforms and policies implemented since 2019. He added that his government would continue to operate in line with divine guidance and the collective interest of the people.
Makinde attributed his emergence as governor after eight years of political contest to divine mercy, describing his election as symbolic of a “new beginning” for the state. He urged residents to remain focused and avoid a return to old governance practices as the state moves forward.
“I don’t have a godfather; I only have God the Father,” Makinde said, insisting that his leadership was driven by service rather than political patronage. He called on citizens to safeguard the progress recorded over the past years and ensure continuity of purposeful governance.
The Thanksgiving Service also featured commendations from former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, who praised Makinde for transforming Ibadan and using public funds responsibly.
Obi described Ibadan as a historic city of knowledge and hope, noting visible improvements in infrastructure and governance under Makinde’s administration. He commended the governor for faithfully serving the people and urged Nigerian leaders to prioritise the public good.
“Nigeria is not a poor country, but poorly governed,” Obi said, calling on citizens to pray for political leaders to manage public resources with integrity, as he said Makinde has done in Oyo State.
Earlier in his sermon titled “Gratitude,” the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, thanked God for Oyo State’s progress over the past 50 years and commended past and present leaders for their contributions. He specifically lauded Makinde’s people-oriented programmes, citing improvements in infrastructure, workers’ welfare, pension administration and peaceful coexistence.
Special prayers were offered for the governor, the state, Nigeria and for the emergence of a worthy successor to sustain good governance.
The event attracted top government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers and religious figures, including the wife of the governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde; wife of the Osun State governor, Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke; former Oyo State First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Ladoja; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and other senior government functionaries and dignitaries.
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