“True leadership is not about wielding power but about empowering others, dismantling barriers, and ensuring that every voice is heard at the table.”
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has once again demonstrated its commitment to equity and inclusive governance with the recent appointment of 48 Permanent Secretaries, Inspectors-General, and Tutors-General of Education in Oyo State.
About two weeks ago, Governor Makinde swore in 48 individuals who have distinguished themselves by succeeding at various rigorous tests and interviews organised for the top echelon of the Oyo State Civil Service.
In a groundbreaking move that signals a shift in the state’s political and administrative landscape, 15 of these appointees were indigenes of Oke-Ogun, a region long marginalised in the affairs of the state.
This development marks a significant turning point, affirming that the era of neglect of the second largest zone of the state is gradually giving way to inclusivity, fairness, and meritocracy.
These individuals, especially the 15 from Oke Ogun, reached the pinnacle of their careers by a dint of hard work and sheer excellence. But the circumstances of their rise would have been different about six years ago.
For one, not all of them would have got the governor’s nod in yester-years, as successive governors appointed Permanent Secretaries based on politics and discretion, two tools that were actively deployed against Oke Ogun over the years.
Historically, Oke Ogun, comprising 10 local government areas and accounting for nearly 40 per cent of Oyo State’s landmass, has often been sidelined in key state appointments and infrastructural development.
Under previous administrations, the region’s representation in strategic leadership roles was disproportionately low, with Oke Ogun natives rarely considered for top-tier positions.
But under Governor Makinde, a new narrative is emerging—one where competence, diligence, and regional representation are given due recognition.
The recent appointments, which saw Oke Ogun indigenes getting an impressive 31.25 per cent of the available positions, reflect a deliberate effort to balance the scales and integrate all regions into the state’s governance structure.
The era when Oke Ogun struggled to secure even a handful of positions at the highest levels of government is gradually fading, replaced by a governance model that recognises the region’s immense potential.
This shift is not merely symbolic; it carries significant socio-political implications for the future of Oyo State.
One of the hallmarks of Governor Makinde’s approach to governance has been his insistence on merit-based selection in appointing Permanent Secretaries. This shift from political favoritism to a system rooted in competence has redefined the leadership landscape in the state and holds the potential of ensuring that people with the right mindset, experience and vision are in positions to drive the development of Oyo State even beyond the Makinde years.
The rigorous selection process that threw up the new crop of Perm Secs included competitive examinations and intensive interviews and the direct result is that only the most qualified individuals assumed office.
The emergence of 15 Oke Ogun indigenes through this process speaks volumes about the wealth of talents in Oke Ogun region and the governor’s determination to unlock same.
This fair and transparent process has not only restored public confidence in the system, it has also provided equal opportunities for professionals across all regions.
For those who have watched Governor Makinde closely, his leadership style has been that of inclusion and ensuring that no zone is left behind in terms of unlocking potentials and giving the platform for everyone to contribute their potential to the ongoing development of the state.
Governor Makinde’s efforts to elevate Oke Ogun go beyond appointments; his administration has made significant infrastructural investments that are changing the region’s socio-economic landscape and contributing to the development of Oyo State. Some of the major projects that have enhanced connectivity and economic opportunities in the state include:
Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road (76.67km): This strategic road has significantly improved transportation, fostering economic activities between Oke Ogun and other parts of the state and between Oyo State and the Northern part of the country.
Moniya-Iseyin (65km): This arterial road has changed the fortunes of Oke Ogun tremendously and saved its residents who have businesses in the state capital from decades of stress and untold hardship.
Iseyin-Saki Road (83km): A critical link that has enhanced access to markets and improved trade within and beyond Oke Ogun, Governor Makinde’s decision to rehabilitate this federal road has, no doubt, been attracting commendations from residents of Oke Ogun. One can only wish the governor well and ask that the government increases its efforts on the project.
Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho Road (45km): Currently under construction, this project promises to further open up economic opportunities and facilitate easier movement of people, goods and services. The governor also expressed his readiness to link the economies of many local governments in Oke Ogun II to that of Saki.
Establishment of LAUTECH College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus: A significant boost to the region’s education and agricultural development, positioning Oke Ogun as a hub for agritech and research.
These projects are not mere political promises; they represent tangible interventions aimed at closing the developmental gap that has historically hindered Oke Ogun’s progress.
While congratulating all the 48 new Perm Secs, Inspectors-General of Education and Tutors-General, it becomes important to commend Governor Makinde for introducing merit and excellence to the system of appointing Perm Secs and for allowing fairness to reign supreme in the state and for the good work he has done so far to bring Oke Ogun to parity with other zones of the state.
To the people of the 10 local government areas of Oke Ogun, Governor Makinde has proven himself to be the real Koseleri, setting enviable records in governance and besting his own records. His insistence on merit in government recruitments also made him stand out as the governor who shattered the glass ceiling to allow the underprivileged to have access to government works.
With the commendable achievements recorded by Governor Makinde, especially in the area of ensuring that Oke Ogun is treated fairly, the question on many lips now is whether Oke Ogun could be finally poised to produce the next governor of Oyo State in 2027? Would Governor Makinde go the whole hog in ensuring that Oke Ogun gets what is due to it?
Despite being an economic powerhouse, particularly in agriculture—producing over 60 per cent of Oyo State’s agricultural output, Oke Ogun has never produced the governor. Over the years, the region has provided unwavering support to successive administrations without reciprocal political rewards.
Now, with Governor Makinde’s demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, there is a compelling case for the region to present a credible and competent candidate for the governorship position. Supporting an Oke Ogun indigene in 2027 would be a historic step toward consolidating the governor’s legacy of equity and fairness.
Will the governor go all out to etch his name on the hearts of thousands of Oke Ogun residents? Only time will tell.
Afeez Omoniyi Oxygen writes from Iseyin, Oyo State.
