Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has vowed not to become a political godfather who dictates the affairs of government after leaving office in 2027.

Makinde made the declaration on Monday while hosting members of the Muslim community at a Hijrah 1448 luncheon held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

The governor said that after spending eight years serving the people of Oyo State, he would ensure a smooth transition and give his successor the freedom to lead without undue interference.

“I won’t be a political godfather to my successor. After eight years of serving the people of Oyo State, I will ensure that there is a smooth transition and that whoever succeeds me is given the opportunity to develop and implement policies in line with the aspirations and yearnings of the people,” Makinde said.

He said political leadership should not be measured by the ability of a former office holder to control those who succeed him, but by the impact made while in office and the institutions left behind to serve the people.

“The essence of political leadership should not be the ability to control those who come after a public office holder, but the willingness to serve humanity and leave behind institutions and structures that can continue to benefit the people,” he said.

Makinde also urged eligible voters to carefully scrutinise candidates seeking political offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against allowing ethnicity, religion and other primordial considerations to influence their choices.

“Leadership should be about service to humanity, not about control. As we approach another election period, I want to urge our people, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, to hold those seeking political office accountable,” he said.

The governor advised voters to focus on the competence, character and commitment of political aspirants, rather than their ethnic or religious identities.

“Do not assess political aspirants based on ethnicity, religion or other primordial considerations. Look at their competence, their character and their commitment to public service.

“Ask yourselves what they have done, what they can do and whether they genuinely have the interest of the people at heart,” he added.

According to Makinde, the primary responsibility of government is to improve the lives of citizens, stressing that public officials must place the interests of the people above personal and political considerations.

“Governance is about improving the lives of the people. Those entrusted with public office must always put the interest of the citizens above their personal interests or political interests. That is the essence of leadership and that is what our people deserve,” he said.

The governor further assured residents that his administration would remain focused on delivering good governance and consolidating its achievements during the remainder of its tenure.

“Our remaining period in office will be dedicated to consolidating the achievements we have recorded so far and delivering more impactful projects and programmes for the benefit of our people across the state,” Makinde said.

“Until the expiration of this administration, we will continue to make decisions and take actions that will promote development, peace and prosperity in Oyo. We will continue to work for the people and ensure that the resources entrusted to us are used for the benefit of the people.”

Makinde also thanked residents for the confidence and support they had given his administration over the past eight years, while acknowledging the contributions of the Muslim community to the development and stability of the state.

“I want to appreciate the people of Oyo for the confidence and support you have given this administration over the last eight years. We do not take that support for granted.

“I also want to sincerely appreciate the Muslim community for your partnership and your contributions to the growth and stability of our state. Your support has been important to the progress we have made,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, assuring residents that every segment of Oyo State would continue to have a sense of belonging under his leadership.