Media Chat: Why I Appointed Folajimi (DON) As DCOS, Other Young Aides To Be Part Of My Team – Makinde •Speaks On Successor

By BowaMedia On Dec 27, 2023

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, gave insight into why he has chosen to appoint young and energetic individuals to be part of his team in running the government of the state.

He explained that he has made it a priority to groom young people who will eventually become future leaders of the state.

The governor stated these during an end-of-the-year media chat hosted by the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State BCOS.

Speaking further, Makinde, once again, assured that he would not contest for Senatorial seat after the completion of his second term as a governor of the state, adding that he won’t toe the line of other governors who regard the National Assembly as “a retirement home.”

In his words: “I have mentioned it to a lot of people and I am still saying that I won’t contest to be a Senator in Oyo State. This is why I have made it a priority to start developing leaders for tomorrow. We have the Oyo State Speaker of the House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin. He is in his 30s. I brought in a Deputy Chief of Staff, Folajimi Oyekunle (DON), and the rest.

“So, we are developing future leaders. My success will be that I can hand over this state to an individual who shares the vision with me with enough energy. 65 years 65-year-old person is too old in my estimation.

“After going here and there, you only have a maximum of 4 hours to sleep. So, when you see things happen, it is not by happenstance but by hard work that is required.

“If you look at the team, we are quite young. Look at our commissioners and other aides, though the future is in God’s hands. But I am happy and grateful to serve the people as the Governor.”

While saying he would not play Godfather after leaving office in 2027, he explained that he would only appeal to the people to support whoever he sees as a candidate who can continue to sustain his developmental ideals for the state to succeed him.

“It is only people that are foolish that will place themselves in the position of God. Whatever God does for any human being, there is a reason behind it. So, I believe if it is the will of God for me to serve the people of Oyo State as Governor, no man can stop it. And during the second term ambition too, God showed up mightily for the success.

“Every time, people come to me on who will succeed me as the next governor of Oyo State. But I can say I don’t want to be a godfather, I can only recommend someone to the people and give such person total support, and then leave the rest to God.