Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that his successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election will be determined by competence and loyalty to the state.
Makinde made the disclosure during the 12th edition of the ‘Omituntun’ Annual Ramadan Public Lecture held at the Ibadan North Local Government Motor Park, Agodi Gate, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the governor said lessons from colleagues who experienced challenges with their successors informed his decision to prioritise ability and commitment to the people over personal loyalty.
According to Makinde, some leaders selected successors based on personal allegiance, only for such individuals to act differently after assuming office.
“The usual pattern has been that they put someone in place who they believed would be faithful to them. Today, I have decided that whoever becomes my successor will be chosen based on their ability and loyalty to Oyo State, not to Seyi Makinde,” he said.
The governor also stressed the need to avoid a return to political violence in the state, urging residents to pray for a peaceful transition.
He added that whoever emerges as the next governor must prioritise the interest of the state above political affiliations.
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