IIn Yoruba Land, there is a process of divination done with the tossing of pieces of kolanuts. ( Obi dida).
Sometimes, when the pieces didn’t turn out as expected, the diviner may arrange the kolanuts by himself and when they do, they claimed that they had decided to take it upon themselves to change their situation. ( Owo ara eni la fi ntun iwa ara eni se. Eni da obi ti o yan).
Governor Seyi Makinde adopted this approach on Tuesday during a birthday program.
However, before I go to that, let me look at incident of Tuesday, the 8th of September from another angle.
The dust from the reckless statements made by Governor Seyi Makinde at Eruwa is yet to settle down.
During his installation as the Aare Asoludero of Ibarapa Land, Governor Seyi Makinde said that he and his political party, the Allied People’s Movement, APM would disrespect and abuse any Oba they suspect of involving in politics.
So much has been said about such an outrageous insults to the respected Traditional Institutions.
While many believed that the statement was condemnable, followers of Governor Seyi Makinde are of the opinion that the Governor was right.
For them, the Throne should be neutral and refrain from interfering in politics.
Interestingly, those who share this views have forgotten that, in the past, Governor Seyi Makinde had enjoyed political patronage from the Traditional Institution.
On Tuesday, the 8th day of September, 2026, Governor Makinde attended the 70th birthday program of Baba, Bishop Francis Wale Oke.
The event took place at the Cornerstone city, kilometer 24, Lagos -Ibadan expressway.
A lot of dignitaries were present and Governor Seyi Makinde was one of the dignitaries present.
The Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, his running mate, Hon. Adedeji Soji and the Chairman of the Nigerian Revenues Services ( NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji also attended the birthday program.
Of course, Bimbo Adekanmbi, the Gubernatorial candidate of the Allied People’s Movement, APM was present.
As the Governor of Oyo state, Governor Seyi Makinde had the privilege of addressing the Guests and he chose such a very solemn and dignified gathering to throw political banters.
He said while they were introducing the dignitaries, Bimbo Adekanmbi was omitted.
Honestly, I see nothing wrong with the Governor’s observations about what must have been an error of omission but he didn’t stop at that.
He went further and I will like to quote him, he said, “…he is, (Bimbo Adekanmbi), the APM Governorship candidate in Oyo state. That’s him. He’s here. Well, he’s seated next to the APC Governorship candidate. So, you can make your choice”.
Imagine that!
A highly revered man of God is celebrating his 70th birthday and as the Governor of the state, you were given the privilege to address the gathering.
Like I said, there is nothing wrong in Governor Makinde calling the attention of the organizers of the event to the omission of introducing Bimbo Adekanmbi.
The Governor was perfectly in order if he had just done that and proceeded to deliver his speech, but, he just went ahead, perhaps, thinking he was a cracking a joke and he spoilt everything with a few reckless phrases.
What exactly was the Governor thinking when he said, “… well, you can pick your choice “?
Who was he addressing and where?
I saw the former president, Baba Obasanjo, sitting closely to the Governor when he was making the reckless statements.
It is very difficult to interpret the expression on the old man’s face when Governor Makinde started making those comments.
You could say he was shocked. You could interpret his expression as that of indifference, but, the expression on the face of the former president is anything but pleasant.
Now, let us look at the situation from another angle.
When Governor Seyi Makinde was cracking that costly joke, he was standing inside a Church Auditorium.
I hope he won’t turn around tomorrow to say that he would disrespect and abuse Clerics who allowed politicians to make political statements in their places of worship?
I have to say that there is no way anyone would have known that Governor Makinde would abuse the privilege given to him through his position as the Governor of Oyo state.
I also have to say this, I have no problems with Governor Seyi Makinde deciding to play politics where he shouldn’t have, but, I am just putting this out here, before the shoes are on the other feet and Governor Makinde begins to issue threats.
In Governor Seyi Makinde’s shoes, I would also be very uncomfortable that my anointed gubernatorial candidate didn’t get to be recognized.
However, does that actually say something about the fellow, Bimbo Adekanmbi?
Something about his personality. About his charisma.
Take for example, if Hon. Remi Oseni had entered into that Auditorium yesterday while the program was on, would he not have been identified and noticed?
I’m just thinking aloud. Perhaps, those who should have noticed Bimbo Adekanmbi didn’t actually recognize him when he entered the place.
They had no problems with recognizing Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Hon. Soji Adedeji.
I am not aware that they had problems recognizing Dr. Zacch Adedeji.
Perhaps, Governor Seyi Makinde really needs to work more on his anointed gubernatorial candidate.
I was relieved that Governor Seyi Makinde didn’t take his costly jokes too far yesterday.
I thought he would still be talking about ” those lapping themselves”.
We are still months away and the Governor is no longer himself.
You needed to see how serious he was while taking the initiative to introduce Bimbo Adekanmbi.
Oh! I pity Governor Seyi Makinde. This time around, he’s always steps behind.
Sola Abegunde.
