The outgoing Oyo governor tells Muslim community leaders he’ll hand power to Bimbo Adekanmbi without dictating terms after 2027.

Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, says he will not become a political godfather to Bimbo Adekanmbi, his preferred successor and the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), after leaving office in 2027.

In May, Makinde declared Adekanmbi as his anointed candidate for the Oyo governorship seat, urging the former Commissioner for Finance to build on the achievements of his eight-year administration.

Why Makinde says he won’t control his successor

Speaking on Monday during a Hijrah 1448 luncheon held for members of the Muslim community at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Agodi, Ibadan, the APM presidential candidate said he would not interfere in the governance of the state after leaving office.

“I won’t be a political godfather to my successor,” he said. “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 leadership should be about service to humanity, not control, urging residents, particularly the Muslim community, to hold political aspirants accountable regardless of who wins in 2027.

“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.

“Ask yourselves what they have done, what they can do and whether they genuinely have the interest of the people at heart.”

He appealed to the Muslim community to extend its support to Adekanmbi and her running mate, Muftau Open Salawu, ahead of the election, describing the gathering as his final Hijrah celebration as governor since his tenure will have ended by the time of the next.

The luncheon brought together Muslim leaders, clerics and government officials to mark the Islamic New Year and pray for the progress of the state and nation, with Makinde thanking the community for its role in sustaining peace and stability in Oyo throughout his tenure.

Makinde reflects on his path to the governorship

According to Makinde, governance is about improving the lives of the people, and those entrusted with public office must always place citizens’ interests above personal or political ones.

“That is the essence of leadership and that is what our people deserve,” he said. Reflecting on his political journey, the governor said his pursuit of public office was driven by a desire to serve rather than personal ambition, disclosing that he contested unsuccessfully in 2007, 2011 and 2015 before eventually winning the governorship in 2019, a victory he said came when he believed it was “God’s appointed time.”

The outgoing governor said the remaining months of his administration would be dedicated to consolidating achievements and delivering more projects for the benefit of Oyo residents.

“Until the expiration of this administration, we will continue to make decisions and take actions that will promote development, peace and prosperity in Oyo State. We will continue to work for the people and ensure that the resources entrusted to us are used for the benefit of the people,” he said.

Responding to criticism from political opponents, Makinde urged them to focus on substantive issues rather than making him the centre of their campaigns, and commended residents for the confidence and support given to his administration over the past eight years as his tenure enters its final stretch ahead of the 2027 transition.

“We do not take that support for granted,” he said.