Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said that the choice of his successor in 2027 will be determined solely by the people, not by political godfathers or claims of entitlement.

He made the statement on Thursday in Ibadan while launching the zonal stakeholders’ consultative forum and engagement meeting on the 2026 Budget.

Makinde stressed that all eligible voters in the state will have the final say. “Oyo State has moved beyond politics based on entitlement or propaganda. The people are now politically aware and will support leaders who present credible plans and demonstrate the ability to deliver development,” he said.

Reflecting on his own rise to office in 2019, Makinde noted that leadership is about accountability, not entitlement. He recalled that many doubted his capacity to govern since he had never held a political office before.

“In 2018, when I was consulting to become governor, there was no yardstick to measure me. I had never been a councillor or a local government chairman, but I asked the people to trust me and judge me by my actions,” he said.

The governor urged political leaders to prioritize policies and projects that directly impact citizens’ lives rather than engaging in political theatrics. He added that his administration has focused on presenting a clear roadmap for Oyo State’s development, which citizens can read, evaluate, and hold accountable.