Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has indicated that the selection of his successor for the 2027 gubernatorial race will hinge on the candidate's competence and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Oyo State residents. Makinde conveyed this position during the 12th Omituntun Annual Ramadan Public Lecture, which took place at the Ibadan North Local Government Motor Park, Agodi Gate, Ibadan.
He reflected on his nearly seven years in office, attributing his administration's significant accomplishments to his dedication to Oyo State. Among these achievements, he mentioned the settlement of over N25 billion in outstanding gratuity payments that had been left by previous governments.
Furthermore, the governor stated that his administration had raised the monthly gratuity disbursement from N1 billion to N3 billion, with the aim of clearing all retiree arrears by the end of May 2027.
Makinde also pointed to the successful upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standards as a key developmental milestone, noting that preparations are in motion to facilitate the airlift of Hajj pilgrims from this airport in May 2026.
Commenting on leadership transitions, the governor shared observations about other state executives who, he noted, had appointed successors based on personal allegiance, only to face later disappointments.
“The common thread has been that they installed someone they felt would be loyal to them,” he remarked.
“Whoever emerges as my successor will be based on competence and loyalty to Oyo State, not to Seyi Makinde.”
He urged citizens to offer prayers for a smooth and peaceful transfer of power, cautioning against any resurgence of political unrest, regardless of party affiliations.
The governor announced a donation of seven buses to various mosques across the state's geopolitical zones to support Islamic activities and commemorate the 12th edition of the Ramadan lecture.
Additionally, a brand new SUV was presented to the guest lecturer, Fadilat Sheikh Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi (Ami Olohun), as a token of appreciation for his lecture on the theme of “Contentment.”
In his address, Sheikh Sanusi commended Governor Makinde for his developmental initiatives and encouraged the populace to embrace contentment and religious tolerance.
Oba Rasidi Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State and the current Olubadan of Ibadanland, presided over the event. He described the month of Ramadan as a period of endurance and divine blessings.
The lecture was attended by numerous prominent individuals, including political figures, religious scholars, and traditional rulers, who collectively offered prayers for the prosperity and leadership of Oyo State.
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