Governor Seyi Makinde declares 2027 successor must prioritise Oyo State citizens, not personal loyalty, during annual Ramadan lecture in Ibadan

Governor Seyi Makinde has outlined the criteria for his successor ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasising that the choice must prioritise competence and loyalty to the people of Oyo State rather than allegiance to him personally.

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Makinde made the remarks during the 12th edition of the ‘Omituntun’ Annual Ramadan Public Lecture at the Ibadan North Local Government Motor Park, Agodi Gate, Ibadan.

“I have been speaking with many of my colleagues, and they told me that the person they transferred power to came into office and began acting improperly. I asked them how they picked the person, how they supported him, but he changed once he got to the office,” Makinde said.

The governor stressed that the selection of his successor would focus on the candidate’s ability to serve the state effectively.

“Today, I have decided that whoever becomes my successor will be chosen based on their ability and loyalty to Oyo State, not to Seyi Makinde,” he added.

Makinde also urged citizens to pray for a peaceful transition and cautioned against a return to political violence, emphasising the importance of state-centred governance regardless of party affiliation.

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“But going forward, we don’t want to go back to the time when there was political violence, no matter which party someone is part of. So, please keep praying that whoever becomes the next governor should be loyal to the state,” he said.