Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said he will not become a political godfather who controls government affairs after leaving office in 2027.
Makinde made the declaration on Monday while hosting members of the Muslim community at a Hijrah 1448 luncheon held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor, who will complete eight years in office in 2027, said his successor would be given the freedom to lead the state without interference.
Makinde said his priority after leaving office would be to ensure a smooth transition and leave behind institutions and structures capable of delivering lasting benefits to 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,” he said.
According to him, political leadership should not be measured by the ability of former officeholders to retain control over their successors, but by their commitment to serving humanity and establishing structures that outlast their tenure.
Makinde also urged eligible voters to carefully assess candidates seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against allowing ethnicity, religion and other primordial considerations to influence their choices.
He urged voters, particularly members of the Muslim community, to scrutinise the competence, character and commitment to public service of political aspirants.
“Leadership should be about service to humanity, not about control. As we approach another election period, I want to urge our people, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, to hold those seeking political office accountable.
“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. Ask yourselves what they have done, what they can do and whether they genuinely have the interest of the people at heart,” the governor said.
Makinde maintained that governance should be centred on improving the welfare of citizens, stressing that public officials must place the interests of the people above personal and political considerations.
He assured residents that his administration would use the remainder of its tenure to consolidate its achievements and execute more projects and programmes 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,” he said.
The governor added that his administration would continue to pursue policies aimed at promoting development, peace and prosperity in Oyo State until the expiration of its tenure.
“We will continue to work for the people and ensure that the resources entrusted to us are used for the benefit of the people,” Makinde said.
He also expressed appreciation to residents for the confidence and support they had given his administration over the past eight years.
Makinde specifically thanked the Muslim community for its partnership and contributions to the growth and stability of Oyo State, saying its support had contributed to the progress recorded by his administration.
