Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said he will not seek to control the affairs of the state or become a political godfather to whoever succeeds him after leaving office in 2027.
Makinde, who is serving his second and final term, said his priority was to ensure a smooth transition to the next administration and hand over power to a successor who would have the freedom to govern in the best interest of the people.
The governor stated this on Monday while hosting members of the Muslim community at a Hijrah 1448 luncheon held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde said his eight years in office had been about serving the people, stressing that he would not attempt to remain in control after completing his tenure.
He said he would support a transition process that would allow his successor to independently develop and implement policies based on the needs and aspirations of Oyo residents.
“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,” Makinde said.
The governor’s position suggests that his focus is not only on completing his tenure but also on ensuring that the administration that comes after him is capable of sustaining the progress recorded in the state without undue political interference.
Makinde maintained that leadership should be about service rather than controlling political structures or future administrations.
“Leadership should be about service to humanity, not about control,” he said, urging residents to carefully assess candidates seeking political offices ahead of the 2027 elections.
He advised voters, particularly members of the Muslim community, not to allow ethnicity, religion or other primordial considerations to influence their choice of leaders.
Rather, he urged them to consider the competence, character, track record and commitment of political aspirants to public service.
“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,” he said.
Makinde also urged voters to examine what candidates had previously achieved and determine whether they genuinely had the interests of the people at heart.
He said governance should remain focused on improving the lives of citizens, adding that public officials must place the collective interest above personal and political considerations.
“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,” he said.
The governor assured residents that his administration would remain focused on delivering projects and programmes that would benefit the people until the end of his tenure.
He said the remaining months of his administration would be used to consolidate its achievements and complete initiatives capable of making a lasting impact across the state.
“Our remaining period in office will be dedicated to consolidating the achievements we have recorded so far and delivering more impactful projects and programmes for the benefit of our people across the state,” Makinde said.
He also expressed appreciation to the people of Oyo State, including the Muslim community, for their support and partnership over the past eight years.
Makinde said the progress recorded by his administration was made possible by the cooperation of different groups and communities across the state.
He further pledged that his administration would continue to promote inclusiveness, fairness, peace and development until the expiration of his tenure in 2027.