By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In an era where political alliances are often dictated by convenience rather than conviction, the enduring relationship between Governor Seyi Makinde and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu presents a rare and compelling study in loyalty, sacrifice, and political character.
At the 67th birthday celebration of the former Speaker in Oyo town, Makinde delivered more than a ceremonial speech—he presented a philosophy of leadership rooted in memory, gratitude, and truth.
He did not mince words when he described her:
“Anyone who wants to hear the truth should go to Senator Sunmonu. She will tell you as it is.”
That statement alone cuts through the fog of modern politics, where truth is often negotiated, reshaped, or sacrificed on the altar of ambition. In elevating Sunmonu as a custodian of truth, Makinde was, in effect, reminding political actors that integrity is not merely a moral virtue—it is a strategic asset.
The Politics of Loyalty, Not Opportunism
Perhaps the most striking revelation from Makinde’s tribute was his recollection of the 2019 elections:
“When she was contesting for Senate in 2019 and I was contesting for governor, she lost her election. But just two weeks after, she left Abuja—still on medical drip—to campaign for me in Oyo State. That is the kind of person she is. She is truthful and sincere.”
In a political climate where defeat often breeds resentment, withdrawal, or silent sabotage, Sunmonu’s action stands in sharp contrast. She chose loyalty over bitterness, commitment over convenience.
READ ALSO:Makinde, Ajadi, PDP Leaders Storm Oyo to Celebrate Senator Sunmonu at 67
This is not just a political anecdote—it is a human lesson.
Loyalty, in its purest form, is tested not in moments of personal victory, but in seasons of personal loss. It is easy to stand with others when one is winning; it is far more difficult to stand firm when one has lost.
Sunmonu’s decision to campaign for Makinde despite her own electoral setback demonstrates a principle often ignored in both politics and everyday life: true loyalty is not transactional—it is principled.
Memory as a Measure of Leadership
Makinde’s reflections also reveal something deeper about leadership—his ability to remember.
“Even if I were coming from London, I would still come directly to celebrate my most distinguished sister.”
“We left Abuja around 11 a.m., got to Ibadan shortly after noon, and came straight to Oyo.”
These statements may appear simple, even logistical, but they carry symbolic weight. Leaders who remember acts of loyalty are more likely to build systems rooted in trust rather than fear.
In many political systems, loyalty is demanded but rarely rewarded. Makinde’s public acknowledgement of Sunmonu suggests a different model—one where loyalty is recognised, celebrated, and reciprocated.
Such a model fosters stability within political parties, strengthens institutional memory, and builds enduring relationships that outlast electoral cycles.
A Philosophy Wrapped in a Metaphor
Makinde’s metaphor perhaps best captures the essence of his message:
“Betrayal and loyalty are like two sides of a coin. But if that coin is tossed a hundred times to determine who Senator Sunmonu truly is, the side of loyalty will appear repeatedly. Anyone who seeks truth and loyalty will find it in her.”
This is more than praise—it is a philosophical assertion.
The metaphor suggests consistency of character. In probability, repeated outcomes reveal underlying patterns. By invoking this imagery, Makinde is arguing that Sunmonu’s loyalty is not accidental; it is habitual, predictable, and deeply ingrained.
For political actors, this is instructive. Parties often struggle not because of ideological differences, but because of inconsistent human behaviour—alliances that shift without warning, loyalties that dissolve under pressure.
Consistency, therefore, becomes a form of power.
Why Loyalty Still Matters—Beyond Politics
While the Makinde-Sunmonu relationship is rooted in the Peoples Democratic Party, its lessons extend far beyond party lines.
In professional spaces, loyalty builds trust.
In leadership, loyalty inspires followership.
In society, loyalty sustains relationships.
Yet, loyalty must not be confused with blind allegiance. The kind Makinde celebrates is not submissive—it is principled, anchored in truth and sincerity.
READ ALSO:Ajadi Celebrates Senator Monsurat Sunmonu at 67, Hails Her Legacy of Courage and Service
This is why his earlier statement matters:
“She is truthful and sincere.”
Truth gives loyalty its moral direction. Without truth, loyalty becomes complicity. With truth, it becomes integrity in action.
A Rare Political Currency
Nigeria’s political landscape, like many others globally, is often criticised for opportunism—where today’s ally becomes tomorrow’s adversary with little explanation. In such an environment, loyalty becomes a rare currency.
Makinde’s tribute, therefore, is not just about Sunmonu—it is a subtle critique of a system that too often undervalues steadfastness.
By elevating her story, he is effectively setting a standard, challenging party members and political actors to rethink their approach to relationships, commitments, and values.
The Enduring Power of Being Remembered
In the end, what stands out is not just Sunmonu’s loyalty, but Makinde’s refusal to forget it.
Politics is filled with promises, but history remembers actions.
Sunmonu acted.
Makinde remembered.
And in that exchange lies a powerful lesson for both leaders and citizens:
Loyalty, when genuine and consistent, does not fade—it becomes legacy.
For party members, the message is clear: your actions in moments of uncertainty define your place in history.
For humanity at large, the lesson is even simpler: relationships built on truth and loyalty outlive circumstances.
In a world increasingly driven by self-interest, the Makinde-Sunmonu story reminds us that character still matters—and that, sometimes, the most powerful political strategy is simply to stand by others when it is least convenient.
Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe is a Lagos-based journalist and public affairs analyst
