Why I endorsed Adekanmbi as my successor — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained why he believes the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Bimbo Adekanmbi, is the right person to succeed him, citing his professional achievements, intellectual capacity, experience and youthful energy.

Makinde said his decision to support Adekanmbi was based on his assessment of the candidate’s competence and record in his chosen profession, rather than political considerations.

The governor recalled that he had not held any political position or public office before becoming governor, stressing that his success in his professional career prepared him for leadership.

According to him, Adekanbi has demonstrated the qualities required to lead the state, particularly through his professional accomplishments and recognition within his field.

Makinde described Adekanbi as a first-class graduate and a chartered accountant who had earned recognition as a fellow in his profession.

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He argued that leadership positions should be entrusted to individuals who have demonstrated competence and earned recognition through hard work and professional achievement.

The governor also cited Adekanbi’s involvement in efforts to upgrade the Ibadan Airport as evidence of his ability to handle challenging assignments.

Makinde said he had approached Adekanbi to chair a team tasked with finding creative ways to raise funds for the airport project after the Federal Government approved the upgrade but indicated that it would not provide funding for the project.

“I called him and said, ‘Bimbo, I have this big challenge. I want to upgrade the airport in Ibadan, and we have to look for means to raise money. We have to be creative. Can you function as the chairman of the team to do that?’” Makinde said.

He expressed optimism that the airport would be commissioned before the end of the year.

Explaining how he assessed potential successors, the governor said he considered several factors, including professional competence, capacity, temperament and the physical energy required to discharge the responsibilities of governing the state.

Makinde noted that the demands of public office required a leader who could travel extensively, inspect projects and engage with people across the state.

He said his own experience of combining governance with frequent project inspections had convinced him that youthful energy was an important consideration in choosing his successor.

The governor also said he believed Oyo State should not become a geriatric state, advocating greater opportunities for younger people to assume leadership positions.

Makinde added that his decision was not intended to disparage other aspirants, noting that choosing a successor involved evaluating different candidates against the demands of the office.

“I think Bimbo will do well for your state. He has the intellect, he has the capacity, and he has been recognised within his chosen profession as a fellow,” the governor said.

He added that he believed Adekanbi possessed the temperament and other qualities necessary to serve the people effectively.

Makinde, however, dismissed suggestions that he intended to become a political godfather to whoever succeeds him, insisting that his decisions as governor had been guided by the interests of the people.

“Let me also say that I am not interested in being a godfather to anybody,” he said.

The governor explained that his administration had been able to pursue its policies because he was unwilling to allow personal interests or external pressure to override the public interest.

“If what you are asking me to do is not in the best interest of the people, you should know that I won’t do it,” Makinde said.