Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that he will not interfere in the administration of his successor after leaving office in May 2027, assuring the Allied People’s Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and his running mate, Engr. Mufutau Open Salawu, of political independence if elected.
Makinde made the declaration on Monday at the Hijrah 1448 Luncheon held at the State Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, where he said the next administration would have the freedom to formulate and implement policies that reflect the aspirations of Oyo residents.
The governor said his administration had fulfilled most of its promises to the people and would spend the remaining months of its tenure consolidating its achievements and delivering more projects capable of advancing the state’s development.
“This is the last Hijrah I will attend as governor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to thank the Muslim community for their support,” Makinde said.
He recalled the support he received from Muslims, Christians and traditionalists during the 2023 governorship election, noting that the backing contributed significantly to his victory despite attempts to mobilise voters against him on religious grounds.
“I promise I will not be anyone’s godfather, including Bimbo Adekanmbi and Open Salawu. If given the opportunity, they will be accountable to the people of Oyo State,” he said.
Makinde urged residents to scrutinise candidates ahead of the 2027 elections based on competence, character and commitment to public service rather than ethnicity, religion or other sentiments.
He also appealed to political parties and governorship candidates to focus their campaigns on issues affecting the people and avoid rhetoric capable of creating division in the state.
The governor commended security agencies for their contributions to maintaining peace in Oyo State, particularly their efforts in securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Guest lecturer at the event, Sheikh Ismael Adekunle Usain, who spoke on the topic, “Qualities of a Good Leader,” praised Makinde’s leadership qualities, describing him as reliable, focused, intelligent, patient, dedicated and compassionate.
The Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Saka Balogun, urged residents to continue supporting and praying for the success of the APM in the forthcoming elections.
Adekanmbi, in his remarks, thanked the Muslim faithful for their support for the present administration and pledged that, if elected governor, he would sustain the annual Hijrah celebration and other programmes associated with the Muslim community.
He urged the people of the state to massively support the APM in the 2027 elections.
Earlier, the APM Deputy Governorship Candidate, Engr. Mufutau Open Salawu, described the luncheon as an opportunity to appreciate God for sustaining the annual Hijrah programme, while also calling for massive support for the party in the 2027 general elections.
The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, in his vote of thanks, appealed to residents to preserve the unity of the state irrespective of religious differences.
Goodwill messages from labour leaders, Islamic clerics and community representatives commended Makinde’s administration for its achievements in recruitment, infrastructure development and security.
The event was attended by the Acting Governor, Mr Abdulraheem ‘Bayo Lawal, Esq.; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; former Speaker, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide; and member representing Iseyin/Kajola/Iwajowa/Itesiwaju Federal Constituency, Hon. Najimdeen Oyeshina Oyedeji.
Also present were the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima; President of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice T.M. Abdulganiyu; Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; commissioners and permanent secretaries; Prof. Kamil Oloso; Iya Adinni of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sekinat Adekola; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Mr Sulaimon Ajewole, Esq; members of the League of Imams and Alfas; traditional rulers; labour union leaders; service commanders and other senior government officials.
