IBADAN — Fourteen years after the passing of his father, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reflected on the enduring impact of Pa Olatunbosun Makinde’s life, describing him as the one person who always offered sincere and unfiltered advice.
The governor spoke on Sunday, July 26, after a memorial service held in honour of the late family patriarch at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.
He said his father’s death created a void that has never been filled, noting that he still longs for the candid guidance that shaped many of his personal and public decisions.
According to Makinde, his late father was not only a parent but also a trusted confidant who never hesitated to speak the truth, even when it was difficult to accept.
“My father was my friend, and when he passed away, I lost a close companion. What I miss most is that he was the only person who could look me in the eyes and tell me the truth, even when I did not want to hear it,” the governor said.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, described Pa Olatunbosun Makinde as a committed Christian whose life was devoted to God, the Church and service to humanity.
The cleric said the late Makinde remained faithful to the Cathedral of St. Peter throughout his lifetime and encouraged Christians to emulate his dedication, integrity and selfless service.
Aladekugbe also praised Governor Makinde over the recent rescue of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
He commended the peaceful atmosphere recorded in Oyo State under the governor’s administration over the past seven years, adding that Makinde’s future remains in God’s hands.
As part of the memorial activities, the governor laid wreaths at the graves of his late father and his mother, Madam Abigail Makinde, who died in October 2020.
Among those who accompanied the governor were his elder brother, Barrister Muyiwa Makinde; Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi; Executive Assistant on Administration, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe; Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian Wing), Bishop Ademola Morakinyo; Government House Chaplain, Pastor Layi Adisa; Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs, Rev. Femi Ibikunle; Peter Eledan, other government officials and members of the Makinde family.
