Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ruled out playing the role of a political godfather after leaving office in 2027, saying his successor must be allowed to govern independently without undue interference.
Makinde made the declaration on Monday amid growing political attention over the succession struggle in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor spoke while hosting members of the Muslim community at a Hijrah 1448 luncheon held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde, who will complete eight years in office in 2027, said his priority after leaving government would be to ensure a smooth transition rather than retain influence over the administration of his successor.
“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.
The governor said political leadership should not be about controlling subsequent administrations, but about building institutions and structures capable of delivering lasting benefits to citizens.
His comments could shape the political conversation around the 2027 governorship contest, particularly as political parties and aspirants begin positioning themselves for the race to succeed him.
Makinde also urged voters to be more deliberate in choosing political leaders in 2027, advising them not to allow ethnicity, religion or other primordial considerations to influence their decisions.
He called on eligible voters to scrutinise the competence, character, track record and commitment to public service of candidates seeking political offices.
“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,” Makinde said.
He urged voters to ask what political aspirants had achieved in the past, what they could offer and whether they genuinely had the interests of the people at heart.
According to the governor, public office holders must prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal or political interests.
“Governance is about improving the lives of the people. Those entrusted with public office must always put the interest of the citizens above their personal interests or political interests. That is the essence of leadership and that is what our people deserve,” he said.
Makinde further said his administration would remain focused on delivering on its mandate until the end of its tenure, with emphasis on consolidating existing achievements and executing more projects across the state.
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“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.
He added that his administration would continue to pursue policies aimed at promoting development, peace and prosperity while ensuring that public resources were used for the benefit of residents.
The governor also thanked the people of Oyo State for their support over the past eight years and appreciated the Muslim community for its partnership and contributions to the stability and development of the state.
Makinde’s declaration adds a new dimension to the emerging 2027 political landscape in Oyo, where the question of who succeeds him is expected to become increasingly prominent as the election approaches.
