Governor Seyi Makinde has been acknowledged to have written his name in letters of gold, going by the numerous projects embarked upon by his administration which have transformed the state and improved residents’ life and living.
That was the submission of Chief Asimiyu Ariori, president of the Association of Mogajis of Ibadanland, during an interview with The People’s Verdict.
According to Mogaji Ariori, “the Seyi Makinde administration has done a lot to develop Oyo State. The administration has done a great deal to transform the state. Makinde is a governor who does not discountenance the counsel of the people. Take for instance the Olubadan chieftaincy matter, all the outstanding issues were resolved by Seyi Makinde to the admiration of everyone.
“Similarly, look at what he is doing with the Circular Road. By the time the project is completed, it would completely transform the economy of not just Ibadan but the state as a whole. Look at the other roads he has reconstructed; from Orita-Challenge to Gate where he has done a lot. Look at the wonders he did from New Gbagi Market to Alakia and Ibadan-Ife Express Road, the same with the Airport Road to New Gbagi Market Road. Also, look at what he has turned Ring Road into. The roads constructed by Seyi Makinde are just too numerous.”
Speaking on the impact of the Makinde administration on Ibadan, the state capital, Mogaji Ariori said, “Makinde has written his name in letters of gold in Ibadan. He has left his footprints on the sands of time. The contribution of Governor Makinde to the construction of Olubadan Palace was in excess of 95 percent.
“It is unforgettable that the Olubadan Palace was completed during the time of Makinde. And we are not talking about just an ordinary palace, but a world-class palace that is the first of its kind in Africa. Apart from the governor making personal contribution, he also mandated local government chairmen in Ibadanland to support the project.”
He added, “For a long time, the government had always been the one in charge of organizing the coronation of Olubadan, but Makinde is changing that trend now. Rather than populating the Olubadan Coronation Planning Committee with government officials, he has allowed prominent Ibadan indigenes to dominate the planning committee. With that, he has shown respect for the culture and tradition of the people. We, Ibadan people, are grateful to the governor for this.
“Makinde has shown utmost respect for our culture and custom. He has shown that while the government has its place in running the affairs of the state, the traditional institution also has its role in preserving the culture and practices of the people.
“It is my prayer that the Almighty will mightily reward Governor Seyi Makinde. Ibadan will never forget Makinde for the great and mighty things he has done for Ibadanland.”
The Ibadan Mogajis’ president also lauded Makinde for creating employment opportunities for young people.
He said, “Two of my children got employed during the recruitment exercise carried out by the state government recently. And I didn’t have to lobby or see anybody for those children to be employed. The employment was based strictly on merit. That is quite commendable.”
Mogaji Ariori described Governor Makinde as a competent and capable leader who has used his leadership platform to improve the lot of the people of Oyo State.
His verdict: “Governor Makinde is a promise keeper, and he is courageous.”
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