Governor Makinde: Oyo People Will Decide My Successor in 2027

Governor Pledges Continued Development as His Administration Nears Final Years

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the decision on who will succeed him as governor will ultimately be in the hands of the people of Oyo State. In his latest bi-monthly newsletter, the governor acknowledged that many residents are already asking about the future of the state and whether the next administration will sustain his government’s achievements.

While assuring that he will endorse a candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election, he emphasized that it will be the responsibility of the people to choose their next leader. He, however, reassured residents that his administration still has over two years left, during which it will continue delivering on its promises, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, tourism, agribusiness, and solid minerals.

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Oyo State Gains International Recognition for Agribusiness

Governor Makinde highlighted the growing recognition of Oyo State’s agribusiness initiatives, citing the recent visit of Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub. According to him, the visit was a testament to the state’s data-driven approach to agricultural development.

He explained that the state’s strategy of using science, data, and logic to drive agribusiness has yielded remarkable results. President Bio, impressed by the state’s policies, invited Makinde to Sierra Leone for further engagements on agribusiness development.

Governor Makinde also acknowledged some setbacks in the tractorisation policy, revealing that only 5% of the 120,000-hectare ploughing target was achieved in 2024. However, he assured that the government would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and improve communication to ensure better implementation.

“We will spend more time communicating the policy and ensuring that our farmers know about the project and how it will be run. We will also ensure that any bureaucratic obstacles are removed,” Makinde stated.

He further stressed that learning from failures is a crucial part of success, using the Fasola project as an example. The project, which was expected to be completed within a year, took longer than anticipated but is now receiving international acclaim.

Makinde’s Succession Plan: Who Will Lead Oyo State Next?

With two years left in office, Governor Makinde acknowledged growing concerns over the continuity of his administration’s policies after his tenure ends in 2027. Many residents fear that a new administration might abandon or reverse some of the development projects initiated by his government.

In response, the governor reassured the people of Oyo State that they would have full control over the decision of choosing the next governor. However, he announced that by 2026, he will publicly endorse a candidate who aligns with his vision for the state’s continued growth.

“As I stated during the 11th Omituntun Ramadan Lecture, sometime in 2026, I will reveal who I will be supporting for the 2027 gubernatorial election. It will then be left to you, the good people of Oyo State, to decide if you want continuity,” Makinde stated.

Commitment to Lasting Development

Despite discussions about the 2027 elections, Makinde emphasized that his administration remains committed to delivering more development projects before his tenure ends. He assured residents that Oyo State will witness more progress in key sectors, including:

• Infrastructure development
• Tourism and economic expansion
• Agribusiness growth
• Solid minerals development

Governor Makinde’s leadership has been characterized by strategic thinking and targeted implementation, and he believes that these efforts will continue to positively impact the state even after he leaves office.

As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on Makinde’s choice of successor and whether Oyo State residents will support a continuation of his policies or opt for a new direction. One thing remains certain: the future of Oyo State will be decided by its people.