As a journalist with over seven years experience, I’ve always prioritized hard news reporting. Opinion pieces were never my forte, with fewer than ten articles under my belt. However, this year I’ve decided to challenge myself and explore the world of opinion writing. It’s time for me to share my perspectives and insights, and I’m excited to see where this new journey takes me as I’m writing one now.
I desire to make a meaningful impact on governance, either through direct involvement or indirect contributions. I envision myself playing a role in shaping policies, driving positive change, and serving the humanity.
What if I can advise Governor Seyi Makinde?
In this piece, I would be imagining I’m with Governor Makinde in the same room, either in his house or office seat next to him and we are alone.
I would look into his eyes and tell His Excellency to stop all this Seyi for this Seyi for that in 2027.
I know there is gong to be a lot of pressure and temptation to prioritize your own ambitions. But i urge you, please don’t let the ‘Seyi for this, Seyi for that’ narrative take over.
Former Governor Abiola Ajimobi was called too greedy leader when he kept Senatorial Ticket for himself, contested and lost Oyo South Senatorial District he had won even when late Chief Lamidi Adedibu was alive. It was obvious constituents were angry and voted against the best person for that seat based on reasons best known to them.
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When that NASS was inaugurated for new assembly at the end 2019 general elections, the pressing issues of restructuring were at the forefront especially due to the herdsmen killings. That Senate really needed figure like Ajimobi. He would have pushed positions that we’ll benefit south west, he would have won some projects over to Oyo State and he would have formed massive influence in that Senate that would have progressed politics and constitutional democracy.
So, the idea now is, Governor Seyi Makinde, if you contest, you will be doing what we complained Ajimobi did. Double standard.
Mr Governor sir, your focus and top priority now should be how the 33 LG chairmen will enjoy the LG autonomy without undue interference and ensure great projects are being executed with the monthly allocations so that the people of Oyo State can see performance of the party at the grassroots level. This will make you remain in the good book of people and maintain your hold on politics.
You will be seen as performer when the LG chairmen perform even when you are not in office anymore.
Governor Seyi Makinde, you can relax and do some business, make more money and form a large political structure to include more people across Nigeria.
I supported Ajimobi in 2011, 2015, 2019 general elections. I’m his loyalist. I think if Governor Seyi Makinde contest and win Senatorial Election come 2027, he will enter into squabbles in the Senate and gain more political enemies.
You will be stressed and frustrated by the frequent trips to and fro Abuja. You will lose your hold of Oyo State because the Senate will not make you a central figure any longer but now an opponent to many bigwigs inside and outside Oyo State.
You may lose all political relevance if you run for the Senate. It’s a big gamble that if it ends in defeat will sent your image politically. Oyo will be taken from you because you won’t be around. When you are away, your enemies will have more time to scheme.
If I’m to advise you in this future game, I will say calm down Gov Makinde, son’t contest. Let’s see what happens to the system in the next few years. Everything could even be caught up in revolt or uprising. After President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 8 years in office, the South West can present another person that allies with the Fulani/Hausa or the Igbo.
The next presidential aspirant of Nigeria from SW must play the political strategy of either adopting an Igbo or Fulani or Hausa vice. The choice of either tribe determines the victory based on the mapping of that time.
I do not like to talk about elections in advance. I think we should first focus on governance. So, let Governor Seyi Makinde develop the state before we start making permutations of who will win the next elections.
I admire Governor Seyi Makinde, However, he needs to do more visible work so that it can stand him out for future office.
If Governor Seyi Makinde decides to run for the Presidency, he has to show off a major projects he has done well with the Adamasingba stadium and also the attempt to make the Ibadan Airport an international airport.
Seyi Makinde is a nice man with a philanthropic heart before he assumed office in 2019, you can do more to look back and correct necessary things.
He has the interest of the masses at heart as seen in his insistence on free education even when huge revenues are needed.
Governor Makinde sir, you need to build and cement a legacy. You need to start the presidential race from leaving a star studded governorship so that there will be evidence that you can do more on a larger pedestal.
Olorun a fun yin se!
Gbenga Oyetola is a publisher of Oyomind.
He’s a gifted and skilled writer and advocate.
Phone +2348132974814
Email: adeoyeoluwagbemiga@gmail.com
