A former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly and 2027 governorship hopeful, Hon. Adejumobi Samuel popularly known as Agbarapo, has shared an intimate account of his political journey with Governor Seyi Makinde, recalling how the governor stood by him at a turbulent period after the 2019 elections.
Agbarapo, who has maintained a close relationship with the governor since 2019, made the remarks in an exclusive media chat with westernmirror.com.ng on Friday while reflecting on the governor’s style of leadership, their shared relationship, and his impact on governance in Oyo State.
According to him, rather than succumb to the pressures and divisive tendencies of political actors, Governor Makinde chose to act differently by giving him the rare privilege of choosing the portfolio he would prefer to serve in.
Agbarapo described Governor ‘Seyi Makinde as a detribalized Nigerian, a pan-Nigerian leader, and a true defender of justice whose politics has always been anchored on fairness and inclusive governance.
According to him, Makinde’s emergence in 2019 as governor of Oyo State after forming a strong alliance with political stakeholders from other parties redefined the political culture of the state, bringing with it an emphasis on people-centered governance, justice, and an uncommon ability to unite people across ethnic, religious, and political divides.
“From the very beginning of our political journey together in 2019, Governor Makinde demonstrated a rare quality, he sees every Nigerian first as a human being before tribe or creed. His decisions are never driven by favoritism but by the principles of justice and fairness. That is why many of us continue to stand firmly with him,” Agbarapo said.
He recalled that the road to his current position in government under Makinde as his Special Adviser on Legislative Matters was due to the governor’s strong character as a promise keeper and defender of what is just and true.
He lamented that despite his involvement as the leader of a breakaway faction from Accord party called Accord Rescue who served in different capacities during the campaign and election struggle towards the 2019 victory, some politicians within the party attempted to derail the governor’s mind towards him in order to be denied his appointment.
He revealed that governor Makinde in his usual way of standing up for the defenseless, stood up for him and encouraged him to ignore what he described as needless political distractions.
“After our electoral victory in 2019, there were intense political mischiefs and backroom intrigues meant to destabilize my relationship with the governor. But Governor Makinde showed uncommon leadership and maturity. He called me personally and told me, ‘Agbarapo, choose the portfolio you want to serve in.’
“That gesture was not just about trust; it was about sending a message to the world that his administration was built on fairness, inclusiveness, and genuine friendship,” Agbarapo recounted.
The Irawo born grassroots politician from Atisbo local government area of Oke-ogun described the governor’s approach as a defining moment in his political career, stressing that it not only cemented his loyalty to Makinde but also reaffirmed the governor’s reputation as a detribalized, Pan-Nigerian leader who values competence above primordial sentiments.
“Governor Makinde has shown time and again that politics should not be about pulling people down or sidelining them. He embodies a leadership style that elevates people and puts collective progress above personal gain.
“That singular action in 2019 is one of the reasons I remain committed to his vision for Oyo and beyond and I am ready and willing to go any political length for him,” he added.
He highlighted some of the governor’s policies in education, health, and infrastructure development, noting that Makinde’s administration has not only improved the living conditions of Oyo citizens but has also become a model of progressive governance for Nigeria.
Agbarapo also praised the governor’s national outlook, saying Makinde has always stood out as one of the few Nigerian leaders capable of engaging issues of national interest without bias or parochial sentiment.
“His interventions on national issues, his contributions within the PDP, and his constant call for justice across board show clearly that he is not just a leader for Oyo State, but a pan-Nigerian statesman whose voice carries weight in the national political space,” he added.
Agbarapo however, called on young politicians to emulate Makinde’s leadership style, saying that the only way to build a stable political system is through trust, inclusiveness, and fairness.
He assured that he would continue to uphold the values and ideals that defined his alliance with the governor since 2019, stressing that the political bond was not built on personal interest but on the shared vision of building a just and prosperous society.