Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced that he will reveal his preferred successor in January 2026. The governor made this known on Monday during the 11th Omituntun Ramadan lecture, held at the Government House Arcade in Ibadan.
The Ramadan lecture, themed ‘Benefits of Being a Good Neighbour: An Islamic Perspective’, was delivered by Yunus Teliat, the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoland. The event brought together religious leaders, political figures, and members of the public who gathered to listen to the governor and clerics speak on the significance of Ramadan and governance.
During his address, Governor Makinde, speaking in Yoruba, expressed his gratitude to Muslim leaders for their unwavering support of his administration. He urged them to continue offering prayers for his government and the progress of Oyo State.
“I sincerely appreciate our Muslim brothers and leaders for standing by us in this administration. Your prayers have been instrumental in the achievements recorded so far, and I urge you to continue supporting our government with your prayers,” Makinde said.
The governor further encouraged religious harmony and urged Muslims to use the Ramadan season to promote peace and unity in the state, irrespective of religious backgrounds.
Governor Makinde, who was re-elected for a second term in 2023, subtly addressed the political atmosphere in the state, emphasizing that he remains active in governance. While speaking at the event, he made a lighthearted comment to Abbas Oloko, a well-known socialite, regarding political billboards in the state.
Governor Makinde Reveals His Preferred Successor
“I’m not yet a lame duck. Please leave my billboard at Isale Alfa,” he joked, referring to the political billboard at the popular Ibadan location.
The Governor then affirmed that by January 2026, when political activities for the next gubernatorial election are set to commence, he would announce his preferred candidate to succeed him.
“In January 2026, we know that political activities will start. I will tell you the picture of the person that will be installed there,” he stated.
Governor Makinde’s declaration has sparked discussions among political analysts and stakeholders in Oyo State. His endorsement of a successor could significantly influence the 2027 gubernatorial election, given his strong political influence in the state.
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Hopefully, his eventual choice will shape the dynamics of the upcoming election, as party loyalists and aspirants within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and opposition parties eagerly await his decision. While it is unclear who the governor will back, his words suggest that he intends to play an active role in the selection process and continuity of his administration’s policies.
Beyond politics, the Omituntun Ramadan lecture served as an opportunity for religious and community leaders to discuss the importance of good neighborliness, unity, and peaceful coexistence. Imam Yunus Teliat, in his sermon, emphasized the need for Muslims to extend kindness to others and contribute to societal development.
Governor Makinde reinforced this message, urging citizens to embody the principles of Ramadan in their daily lives. “This holy period is a time for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and community service. Let us use this season to strengthen the bonds of love, tolerance, and unity,” he said.
As Oyo State approaches the 2027 election cycle, political activities are expected to intensify in the coming months. Makinde’s declaration has set the stage for increased political activities within the ruling PDP and other parties.
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