The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for addressing him by his first name, describing it as an act of disrespect.
Wike said it was wrong for Makinde to call him “Wike”, insisting that the name belonged to his father and should not be used casually.
He made the remarks on Monday while responding to questions during his monthly media parley in Abuja.
His reaction followed Makinde’s claim that Wike had allegedly promised to keep the Peoples Democratic Party for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election — a claim Wike denied.
Wike stated that Makinde was not truthful about what happened at the said meeting or about those who were present.
Wike said, “He didn’t mention the former governor of Benue was in the meeting. He didn’t mention the former governor of Abia. He didn’t mention the former governor of Enugu.
“What was the purpose of that meeting? Who called for the meeting? Did the President call you for the meeting?
“We went and said, look, we want to see the President. And the President said, Okay, come to the house. We went to the house as usual. And we said, Sir, we are still available. We still work together.
“So what is the issue of saying that we had a meeting?
“To start with, Seyi, you cannot; he does not have what it takes to tell me that. He does not. He knows.
“He has never called me Wike. And to hell with him. You heard him say $1 million. Did he pay my school fees? That’s a disrespect.
“That is my father’s name. He can’t do that. He has never done that. He doesn’t have what it takes. Forget he’s a governor.”
Wike’s comments have continued to generate reactions across the political space, with observers noting the growing tension between the two party figures.
