Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Owoade has described Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as a leader who combines sound thinking with decisive action.
The monarch said the governor has shown the courage to take bold decisions and the willingness to accept responsibility for the outcomes of such actions.
Oba Owoade made the remarks through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in a congratulatory message to Makinde on his birthday.
According to the Alaafin, the governor assumed office with a clear vision supported by courage and competence.
He noted that Makinde’s commitment to probity has continued to drive steady progress in the state.
“Governor Makinde is more interested in people who can sustain his institutional reforms and other legacies than in personal preferences,” the monarch said.
He added that the governor values brilliance, truthfulness and hard work and is willing to work with anyone who aligns with his vision.
“He runs an inclusive government, but you can only benefit if you key into his vision of RTR – reformation, transformation and repositioning. Governor Makinde is a true believer who fears God and is in tune with the spirit of the word of God. He is neither arrogant nor uncouth or incoherent,” Oba Owoade stated.
The monarch further said the people of Oyo State would remain grateful to Makinde for what he described as achievements with lasting impact on residents.
He prayed for long life, good health and divine guidance for the governor as he continues in office.
Seyi Makinde is currently serving his second and final term as governor of Oyo State.
In a recent media interaction in Ibadan, he said he is qualified to lead Nigeria, citing his experience as a two term governor and his background as an engineer.
“Let me make this very clear: to serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified – I’m even overqualified,” Makinde said.
He also referred to his private sector experience and work with multinational oil companies, including Shell, ExxonMobil and Chevron.
Despite speculations linking him to the 2027 presidential race, the governor said it is too early to focus on the election, stressing the need for a strong democracy and viable opposition parties.
He confirmed that he will not support President Bola Tinubu in 2027 and expressed regret over backing him in the 2023 election.
Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, said his current priority is the survival of the party, which he noted has been weakened by recent defections.
