The governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, has said that he decided on principle not to receive awards or chieftaincy titles until his tenure of office expires.
Makinde made this known while receiving the Deji of Akure in Ondo State, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundin II, through a delegation he empowered to meet the governor in his home in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Makinde, who hosted the delegation of the Deji of Akure, confirmed that he had been approached on various occasions for awards and chieftaincy recognition but humbly declined them based on his conviction.
In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Akure, the Ondo State by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, the governor however said that, with the offer of a chieftaincy title made to him by Oba Ogunlade, he would, for the sake of the respect he has for the monarch, accept the offer.
Governor Makinde said he did not receive chieftaincy titles to allow people to properly assess and evaluate his performance in office and decide whether he deserved such honour.
The governor explained why he had to change his mind about accepting the chieftaincy title to be bestowed on him as his wife. It was in recognition of his maternal ancestral home of Akure.
“There is always a saying that a prophet is not honoured in his hometown, but I am more than happy that my honour as a prophet will begin from my maternal home of Akure,” the governor said.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and the Olu of Okelisa Titun, Olu Adekunle Ajanaku, commended the governor for his giant strides in transforming Oyo State and his immense contributions to Nigeria at large.
While delivering the message of the Deji on his decision and that of the Akure people to honour the governor at home with a chieftaincy title during his tenth coronation anniversary in July, the Olu of Okelisa Titun also described such a gesture as a response to the governor’s noble character and his immense support for the Akure Kingdom.
In his reaction, the governor promised to continue to support Akure land and the monarchy, while assuring the delegation of his unwavering commitment to the development of Akure and her people.
The Governor also spoke about his people-focused projects in Akure, including renovating the St. David’s Cathedral.
