‘I Have No Political Godfather, Only God’ — Makinde

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Sunday, declared that he had no political godfather, attributing his emergence as governor and the achievements of his administration solely to God, while assuring residents that his government has laid a solid foundation for the state’s future.

Makinde spoke at a Thanksgiving Service marking Oyo State’s 50th anniversary at the Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, where he reflected on his eight-year journey to the governorship before his eventual victory in 2019.

The governor stressed that his political rise was not sponsored by any individual, insisting that his trust remained in God alone.

“I tell people that I am not ashamed to say that I don’t have a godfather; I only have God the Father. Some people are upset and say I came to them to ask for support to be elected. Yes, you go somewhere to seek support. Does that make the person your godfather?” Makinde asked.

“When I became the governor of this state in 2019, I was the eighth civilian or executive governor of the state, and the significance of eight in the Bible depicts a new beginning. So, the journey has been a new beginning for Oyo. I didn’t plan it,” he said.

The service was part of a week-long programme commemorating the state’s golden jubilee, which began with an official inauguration at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on January 26.

Activities lined up for the celebration included religious services, cultural exhibitions, awards and dinner nights, as well as a public lecture titled “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future.”

Congratulating residents on witnessing the state at 50, Makinde said his emergence as the eighth civilian governor symbolised a new beginning for Oyo State.

He added that having been helped by God, his administration would continue to operate in line with divine guidance.

Makinde also hinted at a succession plan, urging residents not to lose focus after his tenure.

“God has brought a particular governor at a particular time to signify a new beginning for the state. My charge to you as we celebrate this 50th anniversary is that we should not go back to where we were coming from. Let us stay focused.

“We have a team that is still intact. It is only Seyi Makinde who will go out; members of the team are there to continue to work for the people of the state. We will continue to operate in accordance with the will and the dictates of God for Oyo State,” he said.

He described the golden jubilee as “a testimony of God’s grace” and called on citizens to remain committed to the state’s progress.

In his goodwill message, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, commended Makinde’s leadership, describing it as a model of good governance.

“I thank the governor for faithfully serving the people. The state has changed remarkably under his leadership. Nigeria is not a poor country, but only poorly governed. What Makinde is doing in Oyo State is a model for good governance,” Obi said.

Earlier, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, praised the contributions of successive administrations, noting that infrastructure development, improved welfare for workers and pensioners, and peaceful coexistence were clear signs of people-oriented governance.

Special prayers were offered for Governor Makinde, Oyo State, past leaders, and the continuity of good governance through a competent successor.

Dignitaries at the service included the governor’s wife, Tamunominini Makinde; Osun State First Lady, Titilola Adeleke; former Oyo First Lady, Mutiat Ladoja; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; and other top government officials.