Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that the good governance recorded under his administration will continue beyond the end of his tenure in May 2027.
The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during a Thanksgiving Service marking the ongoing 50th anniversary of Oyo State, held at the Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, the state capital.
Makinde said although his tenure will come to an end in 2027, members of his team, with whom he has delivered people-focused governance, remain well-positioned to continue the work in different capacities.
According to him, his administration will continue to govern the state in line with the will and guidance of God, noting that strong foundations have been laid as Oyo State prepares to enter its next phase of development.
During the thanksgiving service, the governor congratulated residents for witnessing the golden jubilee of the state, attributing the milestone to divine grace. He recalled that his emergence as governor in 2019, after eight years of contesting, was made possible by God’s mercy and marked a new beginning for the state.
Makinde noted that he became the eighth civilian governor of Oyo State, adding that the biblical symbolism of the number eight represents a new beginning.
“When I became the governor of this state in 2019, I was the eighth civilian governor, and the significance of eight in the Bible depicts a new beginning. So, the journey has been a new beginning for Oyo State,” he said.
The governor also reiterated his stance against godfatherism, stressing that his leadership was not anchored on political patronage.
“I am not ashamed to say that I don’t have a godfather; I only have God the Father. Seeking support does not make anyone a godfather,” Makinde stated.
He urged residents to remain focused and avoid a return to past governance practices, assuring them that his administration would continue to operate under divine guidance.
“God has been merciful to us, and we will continue to operate according to His will and guidance. As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, we should not go back to where we came from,” he said.
Makinde further assured the people that continuity of governance was guaranteed beyond his tenure.
“We have a team that is still intact. It is only Seyi Makinde who will leave; members of the team are there to continue working for the people of Oyo State,” the governor added.
The governor had earlier read the second Bible lesson from Matthew 5:1–12 during the service.
Activities marking Oyo State’s 50th anniversary were inaugurated by the governor on January 26 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, and are expected to climax on February 3, marking the exact date the state was created in 1976.
