Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has expressed concerns about who will succeed Governor Seyi Makinde, whose tenure ends in May 2027. Oyelade’s anxiety stems from Makinde’s impressive performance record, which has set a high standard for his successor. As Oyelade put it, “I pity the person who will succeed Governor Seyi Makinde.”
Oyelade noted that Makinde’s administration has “surpassed expectations, achieving unprecedented records in its first four years and surpassing those achievements in the first two years of its second term.” The governor’s commitment to infrastructure development and workers’ welfare has been remarkable, making it seem like he’s “running for a third term,” Oyelade observed.
One of Makinde’s notable achievements is the implementation of an ₦80,000 minimum wage for over 130,000 state workers, which amounts to over ₦14 billion every month. When questioned about how the governor would achieve this feat, Oyelade joked that Makinde must have a “magic wand” to pull it off while still pursuing ambitious infrastructure projects.
Despite the challenges, Oyelade acknowledged that Makinde’s administration has made significant strides, including the construction and rehabilitation of 334 km of roads across the state. Over half of these projects were completed in the last two years, a testament to the governor’s commitment to performance.
Oyelade also highlighted Makinde’s strategy to boost the state’s succession plan by employing over 23,000 youths, which will help lower the unemployment rate and provide a robust succession plan for the ageing civil service.
The succession question remains uncertain, with Oyelade wondering whether Makinde’s nominee will succeed him or if the people will choose a different path. As Oyelade said, “Even as an insider in this administration, I cannot but be anxious about who will take over from Seyi Makinde as Governor in 2027.” Only time will tell.
In addition to Oyelade’s concerns, Chief Mobolaji Olúkayode Ayorinde(SAN) has also weighed in on the succession of Governor Seyi Makinde, stating that finding the right candidate to take over from the governor will be a daunting task. According to Ayorinde, Governor Makinde’s impressive track record over the past six years has set a high standard for his successor.
Ayorinde emphasized the importance of selecting a candidate who can sustain and surpass Governor Makinde’s achievements. He noted that the next leader must have the vision and capacity to build on the foundation laid by Makinde, ensuring that the state continues to progress. Ayorinde’s comments underscore the significance of the succession process and the need for careful consideration in choosing the next governor.