Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has responded to the recent comment made by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in which he suggested that he (Adelabu) is next in line to govern the state, citing his experience and leadership pedigree as justification.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 7th Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement on the 2026 Budget held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Governor Makinde dismissed such self-acclamations, saying that leadership is not attained through entitlement or personal ambition.
According to him, leading a state like Oyo requires a proven record of service and tangible contributions to the welfare of its people — not mere proclamations or political slogans.
“Governance has gone beyond self-acclamation. It is not about who says ‘Èmi Lọkan’ or believes it is their turn,” Makinde stated. “It is about what you have done, what you can do, and what value you bring to the people. The people of Oyo State are wise enough to decide who truly deserves their mandate.”
The Governor urged political leaders to focus on performance and the delivery of meaningful development rather than political rhetoric or personal ambition.
Makinde’s remarks come days after Minister Adelabu publicly claimed that having held several leadership positions, he has “paid his dues” and should be next in line to lead Oyo State — a statement that has sparked wide political reactions across the state.
