Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutionalised governance, declaring that his government has entrenched a merit-based system and would establish more institutions before the end of his tenure to guarantee sustainable development in the state.
The governor spoke at a symposium organised as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Makinde disclosed that his administration was already working on a fresh development framework to ensure continuity beyond the lifespan of his government, stressing that governance in the state must transcend personalities.
“We have been talking about strong institutions. We don’t want strong individuals in our state, we want strong institutions. Yes, we want strong and committed leadership, but that leadership must be supported by strong institutions,” he said.
According to him, the institutions and agencies created by his administration were deliberately designed to make development in Oyo State irreversible.
Reiterating his post-2027 vision, the governor said: “Before we leave, we will prepare another roadmap. It is a Roadmap for Continued Development of Oyo State 2027 and Beyond.
“Agenda 2040 and everything that will serve the people of Oyo State for the next 50 years will be captured and circulated.”
Makinde also cautioned those aspiring to succeed him against taking the people of the state for granted, noting that residents had made it clear that they desired continuity of good governance.
“Oyo State people don’t want the music of Omituntun to stop. That was the message from the carnival we had yesterday. People came out in large numbers and expressed hope that the music will continue,” he added.
The event drew a strong federal presence, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, joining other dignitaries at the celebration.
Westernmirror.com.ng gathered that the attendance of top federal officials at the golden jubilee event has reinforced a growing cooperation between Oyo State and the Federal Government, with indications of a pragmatic, bipartisan working relationship focused on development rather than partisan lines as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Recall that Makinde had after his last visit to the President at the villa in Abuja, told newsmen that a bipartisan relationship was possible considering how the nation’s political landscape has evolved over time.
Even though he immediately dismissed the insinuation of a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC, his reaction on a possible bipartisan relationship has kept political stakeholders in the country curious.
In his goodwill message, Akume congratulated Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State on the golden jubilee, describing the state as a pacesetter and commending its people for their generosity. He prayed for the state to continue to grow from strength to strength.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Chairman of the African Center for Shared Development Capacity Building, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, lauded Makinde for reviving and modernising the pace-setting development philosophy of the old Western Region through effective planning, transparency and accountability.
He praised the governor for integrating abandoned projects from previous administrations into his development agenda, introducing the State of the State Address, deepening budget stakeholders’ engagement, and maintaining a skilled and motivated public service that ensured industrial harmony.
Ajakaiye said that by consolidating past legacies, navigating present realities and reimagining the future through cooperation and clear vision, Oyo State could emerge as a national model for development.
He, however, urged the governor to provide legal backing for all institutions created by his administration and to intensify efforts against criminality and insecurity.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State @50 Anniversary Committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the theme of the symposium, “Celebrating the Legacy, Navigating the Present, and Reimagining the Future,” was particularly relevant in the current economic and political climate, adding that the event was designed to stimulate constructive dialogue on issues critical to the state’s development.
Dignitaries at the event included a former governor of Oyo State and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; a former First Lady of the state, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; and the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima.
Others were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; leaders of the Oyo State Elders Council; commissioners; permanent secretaries; traditional rulers; religious leaders; security chiefs; and labour leaders.