The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has described Governor Seyi Makinde’s succession as a paradox, given the governor’s remarkable achievements.
Speaking at the maiden matriculation ceremony of students at the Impact School of Broadcasting and Communication (ISBC) in Ibadan, Oyelade noted that the next governor of Oyo State would face an uphill task in matching Makinde’s legacy.
“I pity the person who will succeed Governor Seyi Makinde, considering the unequalled performance he will leave behind by May 2027,” Oyelade said. “Even as an insider in this administration, I cannot help but be anxious about who will take over from him.”
The Commissioner highlighted that Governor Makinde not only surpassed expectations upon assuming office in 2019 but has also set an unassailable record of performance.
“In 2019, many believed governance would be a huge challenge given the financial and infrastructural hurdles on the ground. However, Governor Makinde has demonstrated that where there is a will, there is a way—especially when guided by prudence, data, science, and smart governance,” he stated.
Oyelade emphasized that the governor’s second term has exceeded the achievements of his first tenure, countering the common belief that second-term administrations often become complacent.
“The governor’s pace in providing infrastructure and ensuring workers’ welfare has even led some to jest that he is running for a third term,” he added.
Oyelade recalled concerns raised by government officials regarding Makinde’s ability to fulfill his promise of an ₦80,000 minimum wage for over 130,000 state workers—a commitment amounting to over ₦14 billion monthly—while continuing with ambitious infrastructural projects.
“Well, as we all know, he has paid the ₦14 billion three times between January and March this year and will continue to do so until May 2027,” he affirmed.
The Commissioner further noted that the 32.2km East Wing of the Ibadan Circular Road, which will be Nigeria’s first motorway, will be commissioned soon. Additionally, 334km of roads have been constructed and rehabilitated across the state, with more than half completed in the last two years.
Oyelade remarked that Governor Makinde’s influence on the 2027 gubernatorial election remains uncertain. “It is yet to be seen whether the governor will persuade the people to support his preferred successor, if he has one, or if they will follow their own convictions as they did in 2019. Only time will tell.”
He, however, assured that Makinde would remain fully committed to governance until the end of his tenure. “One thing is clear: this governor will not be a lame duck. He will keep performing until the final hours of May 29, 2027.”
