Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that good governance will continue in the state after the end of his tenure in May 2027, noting that members of his administration remain committed to sustaining the progress achieved so far.
Makinde gave the assurance on Sunday during a Thanksgiving Service held at the Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, as part of activities marking the ongoing 50th anniversary of Oyo State.
He said his administration would continue to govern the state in line with God’s will and guidance, adding that strong foundations had been laid to support the next phase of the state’s development.
The governor noted that although he would leave office in 2027, members of his team would continue to serve the people in different capacities to ensure continuity.
Makinde recalled that his emergence as governor in 2019 after eight years of political contest was by God’s mercy, describing his tenure as a new beginning for the state. He congratulated residents on witnessing the state’s golden jubilee and urged them to remain focused on sustaining progress.
“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 the state. We will continue to operate in accordance with the will and guidance of God for Oyo State,” he said.
The governor also emphasised that he had no political godfather, stating that his leadership was guided solely by God.
The Thanksgiving Service was part of activities marking Oyo State’s 50th anniversary celebration, which was inaugurated on January 26, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The state was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western Region of Nigeria.
The week-long celebration includes religious services, cultural exhibitions, a public lecture, and an awards and dinner night. Saheed Fijabi, a former member of the House of Representatives, chairs the 11-member planning committee.
In his goodwill message, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, praised Makinde’s leadership and development efforts in the state. Obi described Ibadan as a historic city and commended the transformation recorded under Makinde’s administration.
He also urged Nigerians to pray for political leaders, stressing that Nigeria’s challenges stem from poor governance rather than a lack of resources.
Earlier in his sermon titled “Gratitude,” the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, thanked God for the state’s progress over the past 50 years and commended past leaders for their contributions. He praised Makinde’s people-oriented programmes, citing improvements in infrastructure, workers’ welfare, and peaceful coexistence.
Special prayers were offered for the governor, the state, past leaders, and Nigeria, as well as for the continuity of good governance.
Dignitaries at the event included the governor’s wife, Tamunominini Makinde; wife of the Osun State Governor, Titilola Adeleke; former First Lady of Oyo State, Mutiat Ladoja; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; and Chairman of the Oyo State at 50 Committee, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi.
