Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde has revealed that his preferred successor would be announced in January 2026.
Makinde disclosed this on Monday while speaking at the 11th Omituntun Ramadan lecture held at the government house arcade in Ibadan.
The lecture, titled ‘Benefits of Being a Good Neighbour: An Islamic Perspective’, was delivered by Yunus Teliat, the grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoland.
The Oyo governor who delivered his speech in Yoruba language, stressed that he is not a “lame duck”, and he is aware that some individuals are considering pursuing “other ventures” as his time in office gradually draws to a close.
Makinde, who has been governor since 2019, explained that regime change is a natural aspect of politics. However, in January 2026, he would announce his preferred successor.
The Oyo governor while addressing Abbas Oloko, jokingly told him not to remove his billboard at Isale Alfa. The governor added that when the time was right, it would be replaced by the picture of his preferred successor.
Additionally, Makinde expressed his gratitude to the Chief Imam for his continuous support to the government, while soliciting more prayers for his administration to progress.
Furthermore, he urged the attendees to remain united and coexist peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and political differences.
Present at the event were several political and religious leaders including the former Oyo state governor, Rashidi Ladoja.
Makinde hints Oyo state is open to collaboration
Meanwhile, Seyi Makinde has said that Oyo state is always open to collaborations that will take the agricultural sector of the state to greater heights.
He made this revelation on Tuesday during the presidential visit program of Sierra Leone President, Dr. Julius Bio. The programme themed “The Power of Improved Technologies and Public-Private Partnerships to Accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy”, was held in Ibadan.
In his welcome address, Governor Makinde highlighted Oyo state’s unique advantages that set it apart from other states, which is also why the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) was established there.
He explained that a combination of strategic, climatic, historical, and logistical factors makes Oyo state an ideal location for agricultural research and innovation.
Moreover, Oyo state is home to Nigeria’s first university, the University of Ibadan, which boasts one of the oldest and most respected agricultural faculties in Africa.
Additionally, Makinde emphasized that the various innovations included in the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development are designed to facilitate the state’s economic transformation.
Furthermore, these innovations were incorporated into strategic partnerships, demonstrating Oyo state’s openness to collaboration aimed at scaling agricultural technologies, enhancing value chains, and fostering climate-smart practices.
