Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that he will not assume the role of a political godfather to any politician, including the governorship candidate of his party.

Makinde stated this on Monday at the Oyo State Hijrah 1448/2026 luncheon held at the State Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

The governor said any candidate elected on the platform of his party would be accountable to the people of Oyo State and not to him, stressing that leadership should be driven by responsibility and service rather than personal allegiance.

Makinde, who hosted Muslim faithful, traditional rulers, government officials and Islamic clerics from across the state to mark the Islamic New Year, said he attended the event despite commencing his annual leave because of his desire to appreciate the Muslim community for its support for his administration.

He urged residents to demand clear programmes and commitments from all those seeking to govern the state, rather than voting based on personal loyalty or political affiliations.

Makinde also challenged his political opponents to tell the people what they would do differently if elected, rather than concentrating on discrediting the achievements of his administration.

He said, “If our candidates are given the opportunity to serve, they will be accountable to the people of Oyo State and not to me.”

The governor urged the electorate to scrutinise the programmes and policies of governorship candidates and choose leaders capable of promoting development, peace and prosperity in the state.

The Oyo State Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement [APM], Muftau Open Salawu, in his welcome address, appreciated the Muslim community for its support for the administration and pledged that the party would sustain and expand existing developmental initiatives if elected.

The Chairman of the occasion, the Balogun of Ogbomoso, Dr Saka Balogun, expressed optimism that Makinde would continue his good works until the end of his tenure. He also urged residents to support the APM candidates in the forthcoming elections.

In separate goodwill messages, the Chief Imam of Daud Olawore Central Mosque, Iwo Road, Ibadan, Imam Dawud Alawiye; a representative of the Nigeria Union of Teachers; the APM governorship candidate, Dr Adams Akewula; Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi; and the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, commended Makinde’s administration.

Adekanmbi pledged to build on the achievements of the present administration if given the opportunity to serve as governor.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam highlighted six attributes which he said had distinguished Makinde’s leadership.

The event also featured the presentation of gifts to selected personalities in recognition of their contributions to the development of Oyo State.

Makinde also pledged to present a brand-new car to the guest lecturer at the occasion.

The Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, Chief Dotun Olaitan, was among dignitaries who attended the event.