The Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), has stated that selecting the right successor for Governor Seyi Makinde will be a daunting task, given the governor’s impressive track record over the past six years.
Chief Ayorinde made this assertion in response to Governor Makinde’s remarks at the 11th Omituntun Ramadan lecture, held at the Government House in Ibadan.
During the event, the governor hinted that by January 2026, political activities would begin in earnest, and he would provide a clear picture of who should take over from him.
Governor Makinde also emphasized that he remains a strong and active leader until the end of his tenure, dismissing the notion of being a “lame duck” governor.
He acknowledged that some individuals might already be making moves in anticipation of the transition but assured that his administration remains focused on governance.
Reacting to the governor’s statement, Chief Ayorinde commended Makinde’s leadership and admitted that identifying a worthy successor would be a challenging task.
He described the governor as an excellent leader whose achievements have significantly transformed the state.
“It will be a herculean task to find a candidate capable of sustaining and surpassing the great strides Governor Makinde has recorded. His leadership has brought remarkable progress, and we must ensure that the next leader has the vision and capacity to build on this foundation,” Ayorinde stated.
He further noted that Oyo State is blessed with men and women of high intellectual capacity, capable of steering the affairs of the state.
However, he stressed the importance of choosing a candidate who aligns with the developmental trajectory already set by the current administration.
He said “Governor Makinde’s tenure has seen significant progress in infrastructural development, education, healthcare, security, and economic growth. His administration prioritized road construction, renovation of public schools, improved healthcare services, and empowerment programs that have uplifted thousands of residents.
“Under his leadership, the state has also witnessed an increase in internally generated revenue, strengthened governance structures, and enhanced security measures to ensure peace and stability”.
These achievements, Ayorinde noted, make it imperative to find a successor who will continue the good work.
The legal luminary expressed confidence that with divine guidance, Governor Makinde would be granted the wisdom and knowledge to identify the right candidate to succeed him.
“The Almighty God, who has guided him this far, will surely give him the insight to make the best choice for Oyo State,” he added.
As the countdown to the next political transition begins, stakeholders and residents of Oyo State will be watching closely to see how Governor Makinde navigates the succession process, ensuring that the state remains on the path of growth and development.
