By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ibadan — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday declared that competence and loyalty to the collective interest of Oyo State would determine who succeeds him in 2027, as he announced a major welfare boost for retirees and donated vehicles to religious institutions at the 12th Omituntun Ramadan Lecture.
The well-attended lecture, held at the Ibadan North Local Government Motor Park, drew political leaders, Islamic clerics, community stakeholders and thousands of residents who gathered for prayers and reflection during the holy month of Ramadan.
Addressing the audience, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to responsible leadership and continuity of good governance.
“Leadership is a trust,” Makinde said. “Whoever will succeed me must not only be competent but must also be loyal to the people of Oyo State and committed to the progress we have collectively built under Omituntun. The interest of Oyo will always come first.”
Gratuities Raised to ₦3 Billion Monthly
In a move that elicited loud applause, the governor announced an upward review of the monthly payment for the settlement of outstanding and current gratuities of retired state workers—from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion.
The Merit Newspaper reports that according to Makinde, the decision was part of deliberate efforts to ease the hardship faced by retirees and to clear inherited backlogs.
“When we came in, we met huge outstanding gratuities. We made a promise that we would not abandon our senior citizens who served this state diligently. Increasing the monthly payment to three billion naira is a demonstration of our sincerity and financial discipline,” he stated.
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Makinde added that his administration would continue to prioritise workers’ welfare, stressing that prompt salary and pension payments have become a norm under his government.
Direct Airlift for Pilgrims from Ibadan
The governor also pledged that necessary facilities would be put in place to ensure the smooth airlifting of Oyo State pilgrims directly from Ibadan to Saudi Arabia for Hajj operations.
He noted that enabling pilgrims to depart from Ibadan would reduce stress, cut travel risks and boost the state’s status as a regional hub.
“We are working to ensure that our pilgrims can be airlifted directly from Ibadan. It is about convenience, dignity and improving infrastructure in our state,” Makinde assured.
Buses for Mosques, SUV for Guest Lecturer
As part of his appreciation for the Muslim community’s support and prayers, the governor announced the donation of one bus each to seven selected mosques across the seven geopolitical zones of the state to support Islamic propagation and community outreach.
The gesture, he said, underscores his administration’s recognition of the role religious institutions play in moral development and social stability.
The event also witnessed the presentation of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to the guest lecturer, Fadilat Sheikh Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi, popularly known as ‘Ami Olohun’, in appreciation of his spiritual guidance and contributions to Islamic scholarship.
Lecture Focuses on Faith, Responsibility
In his lecture, Sheikh Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi urged political leaders to govern with fear of God and a sense of accountability, reminding the congregation that power is temporary.
“Authority is a test from Almighty Allah,” the cleric said. “Leaders must remember that beyond public applause lies divine accountability. Justice, compassion and sincerity are the pillars of lasting leadership.”
He commended Governor Makinde for sustaining the Omituntun Ramadan Lecture over the years and for policies aimed at workers’ welfare and infrastructural development.
Special prayers were offered for the governor, the state government and the people of Oyo State, seeking continued peace, economic growth and political stability.
Political Undertones Ahead of 2027
Makinde’s remarks about choosing a successor based on competence and loyalty are expected to fuel political conversations ahead of the 2027 governorship race. Though he did not name any preferred aspirant, observers believe the statement signals his intention to influence the succession process within his political camp.
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As the event ended with goodwill messages and community engagement, the 12th Omituntun Ramadan Lecture once again blended faith, governance and politics—reinforcing Makinde’s strategy of intertwining spiritual outreach with policy announcements.
For many attendees, however, the highlight remained the tripling of gratuities payments—an announcement retirees described as “timely relief” in challenging economic times.
