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  • NGF commiserates with Makinde over brother’s death

    NGF commiserates with Makinde over brother’s death

    Members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have commiserated with Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde over the death of his elder brother, Engineer Sunday Makinde.

    The NGF said, in a statement on Saturday by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, 

    AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, that it “is deeply saddened by the passing of Engineer Sunday Makinde, the eldest brother of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, who passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 65. “

    The forum added: “On behalf of the 36 Governors of the Federation, the NGF Chairman extends heartfelt condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Makinde family, and the people of Oyo State. 

    “Engineer Sunday Makinde’s exemplary life of service and dedication will forever remain an inspiration to all who associated with him. 

    “The NGF stands in solidarity with Governor Makinde during this moment of grief, offering our prayers and support to him and his family. 

    “We pray for the repose of Engineer Sunday Makinde’s soul and for God’s comfort to the Governor, his loved ones, and everyone mourning this profound loss. 

    “May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to serve as a beacon of love and unity.”

  • Diaspora Group commiserates with Makinde over brother’s demise

    Diaspora Group commiserates with Makinde over brother’s demise

    The Omituntun Initiative in Diaspora (OID) and the Eledan family have commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde over the death of his elder brother, Engr. Sunday Makinde.

    The group described the loss as unfortunate, heartbreaking and unspeakably sad, saying the group is profoundly saddened by the irreplaceable loss.

    A statement by Convener of OID, Moses Eledan stated the deceased was a brother to be cherish as he believed the best of all, noting that the deceased will be greatly missed. 

    The statement reads: “Our dear beloved brother, Engr. Sunday Makinde was the epitome of kinship—full of life, highly disciplined, and deeply loved by all who knew him. He was a noble man who lived with courage and upheld values, prioritising the service of others.

    “His selfless life, measured not by words but by deeds, stands as a testament to his remarkable character. Truly, he was a man of honour, peace, and integrity, leaving behind an exemplary legacy worthy of emulation.

    “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Oyo State, the State Government, His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, and the immediate family, friends, and associates of the departed. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts during this difficult time.

    “May God Almighty grant Governor Makinde and the entire family the fortitude to bear this immense loss. Our big brother has left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May Almighty God grant him eternal rest.”

  • Ibadan Chief Adegoke consoles Makinde over brother’s demise

    Ibadan Chief Adegoke consoles Makinde over brother’s demise

    The Are Egbe-Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke has commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde, the entire Makinde family and people of Ibadanland over passing of Engr. Sunday Makinde, eldest brother to Makinde.

    The 65-year-old passed on in the early hours of Friday 24th of January 2025.

    A statement by Adegoke reads: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your brother. His  memory will forever be a beacon of love and light, guiding you through the darkest of times. My thoughts are with you as you navigate this irreparable loss.

    “I can only imagine the depth of your sorrow, but I want you to know that God is there for you and the entire family he left behind.

    “Your brother’s kindness, love, and generosity will never be forgotten, and the legacy will live on in your heart.

    “Almighty God will strengthen you, the entire Makinde’s family and protect the wife and children left behind by the deceased. Once again accept my deepest sympathy and condolences.

    “I called on the people of Ibadanland and the entire Oyo State to pray for our governor, his brother and the entire Makinde family during this dark hour”.

  •  Salis congratulates Makinde, Alaafin Owoade

     Salis congratulates Makinde, Alaafin Owoade

    Eminent lawyer and politician, Oba Mekunu Owolabi Salis has congratulated the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over the successful emergence of a new Alaafin of Oyo, following the demise of the immediate past Alaafin,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

     The Ikorodu-born Lagosian who is Olori Eyo Alagere of Lagos and Jagun Bashorun of Ibadanland also congratulated the new Oba-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade, for the divine grace and mother luck, coupled with his personal sterling qualities, that granted him victory over other contestants during the epic race for the highly coveted throne.

     He said the emergence of the new Alaafin was one of the best things that could ever happen not only to the Oyo people but the Yorubas and the institution of Obaship in Nigeria as a whole.

     “As a Yoruba traditional High Chief,I am extremely elated because rarely have we had it so well,to have chosen such a highly competent technocrat for the exalted seat of Alaafin” said Salis who is also the Akinyegun of Owuland and the Eze gburugburu of Abia State.

     “As a young man who attended some of the best universities in the world, with impressive academic distinction,earning a Bachelor’s and Masters degrees, garnered in the highly exacting sphere of Mechanical Engineering,coupled with his professional exposure with some of the best Engineering firms in the world,our great Oyo Kingdom could not have settled for a better king” he stated further.

     “It is against this background that we could see in this unique prince,the exemplary case of a man who was not only born great,but went ahead to achieve greatness unto himself.”

     “ It is equally for this reason that I cannot but commend the new Alaafin for his princely carriage,and consciousness which ostensibly implied that he had probably anticipated this moment of glory and had therefore prepared by deliberately grooming himself well in advance for its arrival” said the ex – Lagos State gubernatorial contestant and the first Black African to travel to the North and South Pole,within a season.

     Noting that the demise of the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi,had left a grievous void which had demoralised patriotic Yoruba sons and daughters,who hitherto had habored fears on the possibility of finding a suitable replacement,the eminent Lawyer and scholar, said it was therefore a thing of joy that the emergence of the new Oba  had gone a long way in assuaging any lingering fears hitherto harbored in that regard. He stated that the ancient Oyo Kingdom doesn’t deserve less when we consider it not only as a pride of the Yorubas in Nigeria and diaspora,but Africa and the black race as a whole.

    Read Also: FG approves N50b for provision of water in FCT Area Councils – Wike

     Digging deep into history,he recalled that at the peak of its glory,the great Oyo empire which existed long before the advent of the British colonial overlord,wielded imperial dominion over a sprawling expanse of kingdoms,which extended as far back as Accra on the West,and the banks of the Niger on the East, adding that the fact that King Sango, who was deified after his death, as the god of thunder and lightning in the Yoruba mythology is still worshipped throughout Yorubaland, Dahomey,Benin and even in diaspora land like Cuba, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago,among others are ample attestations to the grandeur majesty and influence commanded by this great empire before the advent of the British colonial powers.

     Alaafin  as a title is also celebrated in Brazil.

     “As a keen student of history, researcher and political scientist,one also notes with a sense of pride that the theory of separation of powers and its composite checks and balances had not only been the dominant theme in the administration of the old Oyo empire, but indeed originated from this great Yoruba kingdom despite the erroneous impression which had often credited the originative authorship of that popular political theory in democratic checks and balances, to Montesquieu the notable French philosopher.

     “The complex and intricate but coherently systematised constitutional apparatus of democratic checks and balances is indeed a salute to the creative political engineering and political sophistication of the Yorubas”said the notable scholar and researcher.

     The fore-going according to him, is therefore the reason why the Oyo Kingdom require a king with the stature and visionary qualities to propel it to glory and its former leadership status,in tune with the emerging pace of modernity and civilization, adding that there couldn’t have been a better choice than the present Alaafin to achieve that tall order vision,in emulation of his fore-runner,Abiodun Atiba,who ranked as the most prosperous Alaafin in the history of the old Oyo empire,who in his memorable era propelled the Oyo empire to the zenith of its glory.

     “I am therefore seizing this opportunity once again to thank and rejoice with our beloved  Governor Seyi Makinde,the Alaafin Owoade,the Oyo Mesi,my fellow kinsmen in the Oyo Kingdom,and the Yorubas in general both in Nigeria and diaspora for the auspicious era of progress that Oba Owoade’s era promises.

    It is my utmost prayers that the Almighty Lord above and the spirit of his ancestors will guide and enlighten his path to success.” prayed the Oba Mekunu.

  • An unsolicited political advice to Gov Makinde

    An unsolicited political advice to Gov Makinde

    By Gbenga Oyetola

    I imagine I’m with Governor Makinde in the same room, either in his house or office seated next to him and we are alone.

    I would look into his eyes and tell him to stop all this Seyi for this Seyi for that in 2027.

    I know there is gong to be a lot of pressure and temptation to prioritise your own ambitions. But i urge you, please don’t let the ‘Seyi  for this, Seyi for that’ narrative take over.

    Former Governor Abiola Ajimobi was called too greedy when he wanted that Senate seat from Oyo South. People were angry and voted against the best person for that seat based on people says. 

    When that parliament was later formed in 2019, the pressing issues of restructuring were at the forefront especially due to the herdsmen killings. That Senate really needed Ajimobi. He would have pushed positions that benefited the SW, he would have won some projects over to Oyo State and he would have formed massive influence in that Senate that would have progressed politics and constitutional democracy. 

    So, the idea now is, Governor Seyi Makinde, if you contest, you would be doing what we complained Ajimobi did. Double standards. 

    Your focus right now should be how the 33 LG chairmen will be allow to enjoy the their LG autonomy and ensure great projects are being done with the money so that the people of Oyo State see performance from the party at the grassroots level. This will make you remain in the good books of people and maintain your hold on politics. 

    You will be seen as performing when the LG chairmen perform even when you are no longer in office. 

    Governor Seyi Makinde, you can relax and do some business, make more money and form a large political structure to include more people across Nigeria. 

    Read Also: FCT police arrest gang leader, accomplices over killing of ex-girlfriend

    I supported Ajimobi in 2011, 2015, 2019. I’m a loyalist. I think if Governor Seyi Makinde runs for Senate, he will enter into squabbles in the Senate and gain more political enemies.

     You will be stressed and frustrated by the frequent trips to and fro Abuja. You will lose your hold of Oyo State because the Senate will not make you a central figure any longer but now an opponent to many bigwigs inside and outside Oyo State. 

    You can lose everything if you run for the Senate. It’s a big gamble that if it ends in defeat will unravel you politically. Oyo will be taken from you because you won’t be around. When you are away, your enemies will have more time to scheme. 

    If I were to advise you, Governor Seyi Makinde on strategy. I will say calm down. Don’t contest. Let’s see what happens to the system in the next few years. Everything could even be caught up in revolt or uprising. After President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 8 years in office, the SW can present another person that allies with the Fulani/Hausa or the Igbo.

     The next Presidential aspirants of Nigeria from SW must play the political strategy of either adopting an Igbo or Fulani or Hausa vice. The choice of either tribe determines the victory based on the mapping of that time. 

    I do not like to talk about elections in advance. I think we should first focus on governance. So, let Governor Seyi Makinde develop the state before we start making permutations of who would win the next elections.

    I admire Governor Seyi Makinde, However, he needs to do some more visible work so that it can stand him out for further office.

    If Governor Seyi Makinde decides to run for the Presidency, he has to show off a major project and he has done well with the Adamasingba stadium and also the attempt to make the Ibadan Airport an international airport. 

     Seyi Makinde was a nice man with a philanthropic heart before he assumed office in 2019, you can do more to look back and correct necessary things. 

    He has the interest of the masses at heart as seen in his insistence on Free education even when the revenues are needed. 

    Governor Makinde, you need to build and cement a legacy. You need to start the Presidential race from leaving a star studded Governorship so that there would be evidence that you can do more on a larger pedestal.

    Olorun a fun yin se!

    Oyetola, publisher of Oyomind, writes via +2348132974814 Email: adeoyeoluwagbemiga@gmail.com

  • Alaafin: Come to court with proof of bribery allegation, Oyomesi challenges Makinde

    Alaafin: Come to court with proof of bribery allegation, Oyomesi challenges Makinde

    A faction of the Oyomesi (kingmakers) has advised Governor Seyi Makinde to take grievances against them to court.

    The kingmakers and the governor have been in a heated dispute over the selection of a new Alaafin.

    Five of seven Oyomesi members had recommended Luqman Gbadegesin for the throne.

    However, on January 10, Makinde approved Abimbola Owoade for the stool and presented staff of office to him on Monday, despite opposition by the kingmakers.

    The governor, during the event, said he would not allow the Alaafin stool to be politicised, adding that those who allegedly paid money to destabilise the traditional institution in the state would be prosecuted.

    The kingmakers, in a letter addressed to the governor on their behalf by Kunle Sobaloju, their counsel, described Makinde’s claims as “unacceptable”.

    They advised the governor to present any evidence he had against them in court and “refrain from his campaign of calumny” against their personalities.

    Read Also: Makinde commends security agencies for keeping Oyo safe, secure 

    The kingmakers said the governor was liable to prosecution for the “defamatory acts committed by you in office,’’ and that he might be held to account when his immunity expired.

    “We recognise Your Excellency’s right to defend your actions in court, given the ongoing legal challenge to your recent decision,” the letter said.

    ”However, we respectfully remind Your Excellency that the court is the appropriate forum for presenting evidence and arguments.

    “The Oyomesi, in their respect for the high office of the Governor of Oyo State, have refrained from joining issues with you in the public arena. It is, therefore, disheartening that Your Excellency continues to make public statements that cast aspersions on their integrity.

    “We urge Your Excellency to refrain from resorting to a trial by media or the court of public opinion in a bid to confer legitimacy on recent unlawful acts of the state, under your command.

    “If there is any evidence to support these allegations, we respectfully advise that it should be brought before the court, where it can be properly examined and addressed.

    “Publicly maligning the Oyomesi, who are custodians of tradition and highly respected in Oyo kingdom, undermines not only their reputation, but also the sanctity of the ongoing judicial process and defamatory of our clients.”

    The kingmakers said they had maintained their integrity and remained committed to upholding the traditions and customs of the Oyo kingdom and as such considered the continued attempt at public trial of their character as “unwarranted and unbecoming of the high standard expected of the office of the governor.”

  • Makinde appoints executive secretaries

    Makinde appoints executive secretaries

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appointed Dr (Mrs) Ayegboyin Adebola as an executive secretary.

    An alumna of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, where she obtained first degree in English Language and Post Graduate Diploma (Education), she later proceeded to University of Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, for her Masters of Education in Teacher Education (Language Education) (M.Ed) in 2017 and University of Ibadan, Ibadan where she earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Language Education).

    Read Also: Armed Remembrance Day: Makinde promises better welfare for legionnaires

    Until her appointment, Dr. Ayegboyin was with Oyo State Post Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

    Also appointed are Adeosun Olukemi Oluremi and Raji Fatai Adebamiji.

  • Makinde commends security agencies for keeping Oyo safe, secure 

    Makinde commends security agencies for keeping Oyo safe, secure 

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has commended the security agencies in the state for maintaining peace and ensuring that the state remains safe for economic activities to thrive. 

    He stated this on Wednesday at the grand finale of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan. 

    Governor Makinde, while addressing journalists at the end of the event, expressed appreciation to the officers and men of the Armed Forces for their dedication and for securing the state. He urged them not to relent in their efforts. 

    He assured that his administration would continue to remember and support the maimed soldiers, widows, orphans and other dependants of the fallen heroes, as they paid the price to keep the country safe and secure. 

    Governor Makinde also presented a brand-new car to the pioneer Director of Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Major Rasaki Salawu (rtd), for his support and immense contributions to the Oyo State Government through the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority. 

    Read Also; Oyetola tasks NPA, NIMASA, NIWA, others to prioritise 2025 budget 

    In his remarks, the chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command, Deputy Commandant General Julius Ogunkojo, appreciated Governor Makinde for his generous donation towards the launch of the emblem and for supporting the legionnaires across the 33 local government areas of the state. 

    The ceremony witnessed the laying of wreaths at the remembrance cenotaph by Governor Makinde, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), who was represented by Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi. 

    Others present included the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General O.G. Onubogu; the Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Oyo State Command, DCG Julius Ogunkojo; the Commander, 2 Division Garrison Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General H.I. Dasuki; the Commander 655, Nigerian Air Force Station, Ibadan, Air Commodore A.G. Akinyimika; the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, Mr Sonubi Ayodele; and a representative of the widows of the fallen heroes. 

    The occasion also witnessed a 21-gun salute in honour of the fallen heroes, special prayers for the repose of the fallen heroes, and the release of ceremonial pigeons by the governor.

  • Refrain from defaming us on Alaafin throne Oyomesi tells Makinde

    Refrain from defaming us on Alaafin throne Oyomesi tells Makinde

    Kingmakers in Oyo have challenged Governor Seyi Makinde to present any evidence he has against them in court and refrain from defaming them

    Makinde, disregarded recommendation of the Oyomesi’s nomination of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, appointed a new Alaafin of Oyo. 

    In his speech at the presentation of staff of office to the new Alaafin, the Governor made claims that the Kingmakers have now described as unacceptable. 

    They expressed displeasure in a letter to the Governor by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN. 

    The Kingmakers include High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chíef Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo. 

    “We recognise Your Excellency’s right to defend your actions in court, given the ongoing legal challenge to your recent decision. However, we respectfully remind Your Excellency that the court is the appropriate forum for presenting evidence and arguments. 

    “The Oyomesi, in their respect for the high office of the Governor of Oyo State, have refrained from joining issues with you in the public arena. It is, therefore, disheartening that Your Excellency continues to make public statements that cast aspersions on their integrity.

    “We urge Your Excellency to refrain from resorting to a trial by media or the court of public opinion in a bid to confer legitimacy on recent unlawful acts of the state, under your command. If there is any evidence to support these allegations, we respectfully advise that it should be brought before the court, where it can be properly examined and addressed.

    Read Also: Makinde presents instruments of office to Alaafin

    ” Publicly maligning the Oyomesi, who custodians of tradition and highly respected in the Oyo Kingdom, undermines not only their reputation but also the sanctity of the ongoing judicial process and defamatory of our clients.”

    They added that they have maintained their integrity and remained committed to upholding the traditions and customs of the Oyo Kingdom and as such consider the continued attempt at public trial of their character as unwarranted and unbecoming of the high standards expected of the office of the Governor. 

    “Please recognize that you remain liable to prosecution for the defamatory acts committed by you in office, for which you may be held accountable after your period of immunity is over,” they added.

  • Makinde presents instruments of office to Alaafin

    Makinde presents instruments of office to Alaafin

    • Coronation holds in four weeks
    • ‘Corrupt chiefs will not face prosecution if…,’

    A new chapter opened in Oyo yesterday.

     The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, was presented with instruments of office by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

    The ceremony was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

    Makinde said the Alaafin’s stool is not just important to Oyo town but also to the Yoruba race.

    He said he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency.

    Makinde warned those who are still bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo to desist.

    The governor said he will prosecute chiefs who allegedly collected money during  the selection  process, adding however, that he will only forgive them if they seek the forgiveness of the monarch.

    Makinde said: “The Alaafin stool is important not just to Oyo town or Oyo State but the Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.

    “I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.

    “Let me say this; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.

    “When it was time for us to approve selection of Okere, some people came to me and said: ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.

    “I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect people. So, we will not play politics with governance.

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    “The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.

    “Let me also say briefly that those that are still bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. For the money they collected, they will still be prosecuted, except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.”

    Hailing the monarch, Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race.

    “The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

    “I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race,” Makinde added.

    Owoade promised to work for progress of Oyo town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as development of the people.

    He thanked the governor, the Oyomesi and everyone that worked for his selection and assumption of office.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters,  Demola Ojo, lauded the governor for his determination to ensure the right processes were followed.

    He thanked those involved in the selection process.

    At the event, among others were Deputy Governor,  Bayo Lawal; former Speaker, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West, Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Prof Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo; some members of Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo.

    Top government functionaries  included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni  and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.