Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, has voiced his worries. He is concerned about the challenges that the next Governor of Oyo State will face. These challenges will arise when Seyi Makinde completes his term in May 2027. Speaking at the maiden matriculation ceremony of students of the Impact Polytechnic in Ibadan, Oyelade noted that Governor Makinde has set a high performance standard. He has set the bar high. This standard will be difficult for his successor to match.
Governor Seyi Makinde was elected as the Governor of Oyo State in 2019. He was elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Since assuming office, he has launched various developmental projects. He has also implemented policies aimed at improving the lives of the people of Oyo State. His administration has focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment.
The Information Commissioner worked with three different Governors across four administrations in Oyo State. He said he has foreseen a herculean task for the next Governor. This is due to the unequalled performance template Governor Seyi Makinde is leaving behind by 2027.
“In passing the performance test, Seyi Makinde has created another challenge for himself and that challenge rears its head in the issue of succession.” Oyelade said.
“Even as an insider in this administration, I cannot but pity whoever will take over from Seyi Makinde as Governor in 2027.”
Some of the notable achievements of Governor Makinde’s administration include:
- – Minimum Wage: The payment of the ₦80,000 minimum wage to over 130,000 state workers, which amounts to over ₦14 billion every month.
- – Economic Growth: The implementation of ambitious infrastructural plans, including the upcoming commissioning of the 32.2 km East Wing of the Ibadan Circular road, Nigeria’s first motorway.
- – Free Education: The administration has implemented a free education policy, providing access to quality education for all residents of Oyo State.
- – Healthcare Reforms: The government has invested heavily in the healthcare sector, upgrading facilities and equipment, and recruiting more healthcare professionals.
- – Infrastructure Development: The construction and rehabilitation of 334 km of roads across the state, with over half of them completed in the last two years.
- – Empowerment: The government has implemented various economic empowerment programs, aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment in the state.
Prince Dotun Oyelade expressed sympathy for Governor Makinde’s successor. He stated that the Governor’s performance has created a challenging template. It will be difficult for incoming administrations to follow. The Commissioner noted that Governor Makinde’s achievements have changed the narrative about second-term governors becoming complacent. Instead, they demonstrate a commitment to delivering on his promises to the people.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming gubernatorial election in Oyo State, Oyelade reassured the public. He confirmed that Governor Makinde will maintain his performance tempo until May 29, 2027, the end of his term. The Commissioner acknowledged that only time will tell if Governor Makinde’s successor will build on his achievements. Alternatively, the people might choose a different path.
The 2027 Oyo gubernatorial election is expected to be highly competitive, with various aspirants already indicating interest in the position. The election will be a test of the popularity of the various candidates, as well as their ability to connect with the electorate.