Makinde to Nigerians: Reject politicians without realistic plans

… speaks on 2027 elections at sixth memorial anniversary of late mother

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to carefully assess the programmes and promises of political aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning them against voting for politicians without clear and realistic plans for the people.

Makinde gave the charge on Sunday while speaking with journalists after a wreath-laying ceremony and memorial service held in honour of his late mother, Chief (Mrs) Abigail Omojolagbe Makinde, at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.

The governor, who marked the sixth anniversary of his mother’s death, said residents must be discerning as politicians begin to make promises ahead of the elections.

“It’s political season right now. People come up with a whole lot of things that may not make much sense. They have to reflect and choose wisely, and they shouldn’t allow people with no real programme for them,” he said.

Makinde, who was asked about the significance of the annual memorial, said the programme provided an opportunity to preserve his mother’s memory and reflect on the values she instilled in her children.

“For me, it is to keep her memory alive and also to have this time to reflect on some of those things that she taught us,” the governor said.

Speaking about what he missed most about his late mother, Makinde said he cherished her motherly love and their unique relationship, which included occasional disagreements and reconciliations.

“Of course, the motherly love, and her trouble also, because we’re almost like the same sort of character, so we fight quite a bit. Then we’ll fight, we’ll make up, we’ll fight, we’ll make up. So, nobody to fight,” he said.

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The governor also recounted a childhood memory while explaining how the memorial offered him an opportunity to reflect on his mother’s teachings.

He recalled that whenever he asked her whether he would receive a Christmas gift, she would tell him to be patient.

Recounting the exchange, he said his mother’s response was often, “Be patient now.”

The governor added humorously that, during the wreath-laying ceremony, a cleric had encouraged him to take a quiet moment to reflect and ask for anything on his mind.

Recalling his mother’s familiar response to his requests, Makinde said: “I don’t know. I better talk to God directly.”

The memorial service was attended by family members, government officials and other dignitaries.

In his sermon, the Provost of the Cathedral, Very Rev. Samuel Olawoyin, took his anchor text from Deuteronomy 5:16 and commended Makinde for sustaining the annual remembrance of his parents despite the demands of public office.

He urged members of the congregation to emulate the governor by honouring their parents.

Olawoyin also commended the state government for its development projects across Oyo State and its attention to the welfare of workers and pensioners.

He encouraged the governor to remain focused and trust in God, regardless of criticism or commendation, as he pursued his goals and vision for the state.

Special prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the governor’s late parents, as well as for Makinde, his siblings, his family and Oyo State.

Among those who accompanied the governor were the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Akin Williams-Funmilayo; Commissioner for Energy, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin; the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi; Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian Wing), Bishop David Moradeyo; and Government House Chaplain, Pastor Layi Adisa, alongside family members and other dignitaries.

Makinde’s mother died on October 15, 2020.