As the Oyo State governorship election of 2027 draws closer, the debate over who will succeed Governor Seyi Makinde has begun to intensify. With the governor’s recent statement on supporting capable and competent aspirants, the question on everyone’s mind is: who has what it takes to lead Oyo State into a new era of prosperity and development? In his opinion, Chief Ashipa Ismaila, a PDP chieftain, prominent political figure and former Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party in Oyo State, shares his thoughts on the upcoming 2027 governorship election and the qualities required to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde
Ashipa said “If we agree that competency and capacity are components of CAPABILITY, I’ll go with capability. There are many definitions of the word CAPABILITY. I would go with Encyclopedia Britannica where capability is defined as “the ability to execute a specified course of action or to achieve a desired outcome”. To the best of my knowledge, Seyi Makinde fulfils and demonstrates capability throughout; at least, till now.
It is on this premise I would draw inferences from the statement reportedly credited to the Governor of Oyo state, His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde fnse, who has “declared his readiness to support any of his appointees who aspire to run for political office in the forthcoming 2027 general elections, as long as they demonstrate the capacity and competence to lead EFFECTIVELY“.
We may infer that the statement also applies to those aspirants who aren’t serving in His Excellency’s cabinet. And not limited to members of the Oyo state PDP only. Did I hear anyone say “impossible”? Did His Excellency not once upon a time abandon his party presidential candidate for PBAT on matter of principle. Without the fear of being queried, the Seyi Makinde I know could support anyone outside his ‘present’ PDP party.
This brings us to the question, how is capacity to be accessed and who is the accessor? I am a realist. I was never a dreamer: and that is why my ambition in life is acute, identified and focused. The last word “effectively” clearly redefines all these big grammar – Competency, Capacity, Capability. On what barometer is “effectiveness” of another’s capability be revealed and measured. Before or after assumption of office? Was the effectiveness of Seyi’s capability not doubted till he became the state Numero uno?
In 1999, Lam Adesina became a governor because he identified more with the suffering masses than Yekini Adeojo (circumstances on ground). In 2003, Rashidi Ladoja was welcomed because the masses of Oyo believed that this quiet industrialist would perform better than the “Lam Bookshopper” (circumstances on ground). In 2007, the political players preferred a spendthrift governor Adebayo Alao-Akala over the ‘alcagon’ “Idera-de” (circumstances on ground). In 2011, the Oyo state political arena is becoming archaic and obsolete. A new era of aesthetic Oyo state is a must if Oyo state is not to lag behind. Abiola Ajimobi adequately fills the gap (circumstances on ground). And a new Oyo state was born.
In 2015, Oyo state wouldn’t pray to go back to Egypt, Abiola Ajimobi, compared to others as Akala, Folarin, Ladoja, Makinde, is considered a sure hand to finish the foundation (circumstances on ground). In 2019, enough of the ‘phantom 3bln 5star hotel; enough of the arrogance in government, a quiet, young, successful, perseverance, known politician in Seyi Makinde is preferred over unknown Bayo Adelabu. More so, Adelabu is a product of “bankarere-asorosoboto” (circumstances on ground). In 2023, this Seyi guy is a governor for the masses and the economic well-being of the masses, he must enjoy another term (circumstances on ground).
I went to all these lengths to explain that neither capacity, competency nor capability are the consideration of the masses but CIRCUMSTANCES ON GROUND AND TRUST. The Collabo that placed forward Engr Seyi Makinde in 2019 over other qualified aspirants were CIRCUMSTANCES ON GROUND AND TRUST that Seyi would be a better listener. The leaders of the Collabo read the circumstances right. They are “situational leaders”. Thank God, talking governance, not individual pockets, Makinde didn’t disappoint.
May His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde, the leader of both ruling and opposition parties in Oyo state, read the circumstances aright. Here comes #OyoDecides2027. What are the circumstances on ground.
Religion
Abuse me if you like. Religion would play a major role, sentimental though, on who would succeed Engr Seyi Makinde. Definitely, a Muslim (not a scholar) would be preferred.
Age(ÀTÀRÍ ÀJÀNÀKÚ)
Argue with your keyboard. Age is a number and might be of less importance to who would succeed Engr Seyi Makinde in 2027. And definitely, not 52. The government Seyi Makinde is about to quit and bequeath is “atari ajanaku”. Clout – political, social & economical, is the “koko”.
Gender
Governorship of Oyo state is presently the exclusive reserve of men. The office of Deputy Governor should be considered for women this time around.
Status
A successful politician with proven records in private and public services, not a technocrat nor private JJC who knows Beijing geography better than the Oyo South District.
Vigour(not youthfulness)
One quality that transcends His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde, higher than his predecessors isn’t his age, but vigour. Seyi is a WORKAHOLIC. In and outside the state, holidays or leisure, Seyi is always working for the good of Oyo state. Remember when the Governor was attacked by COVID19, he kept working in his quarantined space.
Omititun 3.
With Seyi or no Seyi, Omititun3.0 must continue. Oyo state needs someone to consolidate the Acceleration of Economic Developments. Oyo state has accessed enough loan grants. Therefore, we need someone who would put to use all the available infrastructures now on ground to maximize more revenue intake to offset all the legally acquired debts.
May God in His Mightiness grant Oyo state the best and right man for the job. Amen.
Ashipa Ismaila Osuolale remain my names.
