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Opinion: Governor Makinde’s first 365 days: An appraisal of a focus administration | By Olamiposi Ishola
May 29, 2020 marked the first 365 days of the new administration in Oyo state that ushered in Engr. Seyi Makinde as the 5th Executive Governor of the state after the return of the forth republic – the on going uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999.
No doubt, the road to Agodi government house was tortuous and deadly, just like any other governorship seat in Nigeria due to the rigorous exercise of electioneering campaign and Processes. Oyo state governorship seat is more difficult been the political headquarters of the south west region.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the exalted seat that the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Samuel Akintola , Oba Adesoji Aderemi , Chief Kolapo Olawuyi Ishola, Alhaji Lam Adesina and others too numerous to mention sat is not just a seat but hot seat for tough political decisions.
I need to apologize for this lengthy article because I am a broadcast journalist and do not write much unlike print journalism where respected bosses of mine like Messrs Festus Adedayo, Taiwo Adisa, Jide Ajani, Lasisi Olagunju, Lani Baderinwa and host others dominated the space of most newspapers in the country.
However, here is my appraisal of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
I am one of the few journalists who were and still with Engr. Seyi Makinde as Governor’s elect and eventually Executive Governor of the pace setter state.
I must not fail to acknowledge the Management of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State under Veteran broadcaster , Prince Dotun Oyelade for given me the rear opportunity to be at the state Secretariat as the corporation’s Governor’s office correspondent and add more to my Broadcast journalism experience.
Since last year May 29, I have reported over 200 events of Governor Seyi Makinde where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to bring much needed development to the state .
As a reporter and political observer, it is not out of place to encourage young politicians to emulate the leadership style of Governor Seyi Makinde, especially, Simplicity and his approach to governance .
Governor Makinde had declared that he has no god father except God who is the father and pilot of his administration and that’s why the welfare of people is given utmost priority by his government.
There are many abandoned companies when the present administration took over the mantle of leadership in 2019. These abandoned projects and waning companies should have been a great assets to the pacessetter state if effectively utilized.
For instance, the Pacessetter Asphalt plant and Quarry in Ijaye Area of Akinyele local government of Oyo state was established in 2004 by the administration of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja with the aim of producing Asphalt for road construction across the state. It had given direct and indirect jobs to over 700 people in Oyo State and thereby generated more revenue into government coffers. But for political and other reasons best known to previous administration, the place was abandoned and later became moribund.
Now, the present administration under Governor Seyi Makinde has handed over the Asphalt plant to CARBONCOR Technology limited to commence operation at the site. He also directed the local government caretaker chairmen to buy Asphalts from the company. This singular gesture will no doubt improve the Internally Generated Revenue of the state.
It is interesting to know that despite the August 2011 flood disaster that claimed scores of lives and rendered many people homeless, past administration did not deemed it necessary to repair the damaged 77 year old Eleyele dam, but now the dam has been repaired . In his commitment to the social security agenda, Governor Makinde has reconstructed the Dam within one year of this administration.
It is another sad development that the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso which was an initiative of former Governor Adebayo Alao Akala was neglected for eight years of the immediate past administration with over 40 billion Naira. The over N40billion hospital is nearly or completely moribund perhaps crying for help.
Let me also intimate you that five critical roads in Oyo state which include, New Garage/Kuola to Apata , Saki township road, Moniya/Iseyin road,Bashorun/Akobo road and the proposed Ibadan circular road was left uncompleted by the previous administration.
Among these projects- Moniya Iseyin road has been rewarded to competent contractor, while work is very slow at other projects, especially Bashorun Akobo road. And nothing reasonably has been done as regards the proposed Ibadan circular project, due to the bottle neck attached to the contracts by the immediate past administration.
Despite the Covid-19 Pandemic, the payment of salary and pension to the active and inactive workers is still regular in Oyo state. The salaries and pensions are being paid on or before the 25th of every month. This according to Governor Seyi Makinde will no doubt boost the economy of the state, coupled with the on going developmental projects in every nook and cranny of the state.
Government is a continuum and some projects left by previous administrations should be given adequate attention by the present administration but reverse is the case in Oyo state in the last few years before the emergence of Governor Seyi Makinde who is passionate about the development of the state with his wide spread knowledge in Politics and Managerial skills.
Another Amazing fact about Governor Seyi Makinde is that, he has a listening ear and take necessary steps and precaution to issues that are germane to the development of the state. Even where there are mistakes in decision making, he agrees and makes necessary corrections unlike some Governors who were carried away by the glamour of the seat of Governor.
As a correspondent to the Governor’s office whose area of interest is Politics and governance, there is a long way to go for the present administration. A Governor that is passionate about the welfare of the people of Oyo state through provision of basic and infrastructural facilities in line with the four cardinal programmes of his government is being challenged by limited resources. The government lacks financial muscle to execute these lofty ideas at a go, especially in the midst of Covid-19 Pandemic which has ruined social and economic activities globally.
In the last one year, Some Ministries, Agencies and government parastatals have been so wonderful in the discharge of their duties coupled with the resilience of the Media team of Governor Seyi Makinde led by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Jide Ajani only God knows how many propagandas, lies and false statements that would have destroyed the good plan of the government, if not for the professionalism and proactive nature of the media handlers of the Governor.
With less than three years left, Governor Seyi Makinde has the opportunity to rewrite the story of Oyo state. The Governor is urged to be more committed to restoring Ibadan as the commercial hub through his four cardinal programmes.
If the tremendous support and love shown by people to the Seyi Makinde -led government continues, it would be difficult to break the chain despite the threat by opposition party. Any government that has no respect for opinion of people on critical issues affecting the state is a complete failure.
Olamiposi Ishola, BCOS Governor’s office correspondent writes
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.
The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.
The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.
He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.
Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.
“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”
The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.
Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.
“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.
“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.
The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.
According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.
“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.
“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.
The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.
“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.
The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
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