Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said he intends to leave office in 2027 without attempting to retain control over the state’s government or influence the administration of his successor.
He made this known on Monday when he received members of the Muslim community at a Hijrah 1448 luncheon at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde said that after completing eight years as governor, his priority would be to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. He stressed that whoever takes over from him should be allowed to govern independently and pursue policies that reflect the needs of Oyo residents.
The governor also maintained that public office should be about serving the people and creating institutions that will continue to work beyond an individual’s tenure.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, Makinde urged voters to judge political aspirants by their competence, character, previous achievements and commitment to public service rather than their ethnic or religious identities.
He further encouraged the electorate to demand accountability from candidates and consider whether they genuinely have the welfare of the people at heart.
Makinde said:
“I won’t be a political godfather to my successor. After eight years of serving the people of Oyo State, I will ensure that there is a smooth transition and that whoever succeeds me is given the opportunity to develop and implement policies in line with the aspirations and yearnings of the people.
“The essence of political leadership should not be the ability to control those who come after a public office holder, but the willingness to serve humanity and leave behind institutions and structures that can continue to benefit the people.
“Leadership should be about service to humanity, not about control. As we approach another election period, I want to urge our people, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, to hold those seeking political office accountable.
“Do not assess political aspirants based on ethnicity, religion or other primordial considerations. Look at their competence, their character and their commitment to public service. Ask yourselves what they have done, what they can do and whether they genuinely have the interest of the people at heart.
“Governance is about improving the lives of the people. Those entrusted with public office must always put the interest of the citizens above their personal interests or political interests. That is the essence of leadership and that is what our people deserve.”
