*I won’t Be Political godfather to Adekanmbi as my Successor —Says Makinde

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has pledged not to act as a political godfather to any politician in the state after his tenure ends in May 2027. He assured that the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and his running mate, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, would govern independently if elected.

Governor Makinde made this statement on Monday at the Hijrah 1448 Luncheon held at the State Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

He noted that his administration has fulfilled most of its promises and will ensure a seamless transition, allowing his successor to introduce policies that meet the expectations of Oyo State residents.

He emphasized that leadership must serve humanity and meet citizens’ aspirations, urging residents to evaluate politicians based on competence, character, and commitment to public service rather than ethnic, religious, or other sentiments.

Makinde also called on governorship candidates to embrace issue-based campaigns instead of spreading division ahead of the 2027 elections.

The governor reiterated that his administration will use the remaining months to consolidate achievements by delivering more impactful projects and making decisions that promote development, peace, and prosperity.

He expressed gratitude to the Muslim Ummah for their prayers and support, which he said contributed to the state’s unprecedented progress.

Makinde stated: “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. In the 2023 election, despite calls for Muslims not to vote for me, I received massive support and won by a wide margin. That was possible because Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists stood with us. 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 also commended security agencies for their role in maintaining peace in the state and securing the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government.

Guest lecturer Sheik Ismael Adekunle Usain, speaking on “Qualities of a Good Leader,” praised Makinde’s uncommon leadership virtues, describing him as reliable, focused, intelligent, patient, dedicated, and compassionate.

Chairman on the occasion and chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Saka Balogun, urged continued support and prayers for APM’s success in the forthcoming elections.

In his remarks, the Oyo State APM Gubernatorial Candidate, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi, thanked the Muslim faithful for their unwavering support to the present administration, assuring them that he would continue the Hijrah celebration and all other events pertaining to Islam if elected governor of the state.

He called on them to massively support the party.

Earlier in his welcome address, APM’s Deputy Governorship Candidate, Engr. Mufutau Open Salawu, said the Hijrah Luncheon served as an opportunity to thank God for sustaining and supporting the programme every year, calling for massive votes for the party in the 2027 general elections.

Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, in his vote of thanks, urged residents to remain united regardless of religious differences.

Goodwill messages from labour leaders, clerics, and community representatives commended Makinde’s leadership, citing achievements in recruitment, infrastructure, and security.

The event was attended by Acting Governor Barr. Abdulraheem ‘Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency, Hon Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide and the member representing Iseyin/Kajola/Iwajowa/Itesiwaju Federal Constituency, Hon Najimdeen Oyeshina Oyedeji.

Also in attendance 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, mni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi; Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Prof. Kamil Oloso, Iya Adinni of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sekinat Adekola; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barr. Sulaimon Ajewole; members of the League of Imams and Alfas; traditional rulers; Labour Union leaders; service commanders and other top government functionaries.