SEYI MAKINDE: ADDING FEATHERS TO THE CAP OF OYO STATE|READ HERE

Oyo State with its capital in Ibadan is prominently rooted in political history as a center of authority. Indisputably, authority that can shape the political landscape of Nigeria resides in Ibadan being the capital of Yoruba Land, but at any given point and time, the power to exert the authority is highly dependent on the leadership of the era. 

In the old western region and during the days of Action Group, coordinated authorities were coming out of Ibadan, also in the second republic during the days of UPN, Ibadan was also a noble center of authority. In the golden days of Alliance for Democracy at the advent of 4th Republíc, Oyo State was still not a zone to be underrated. 

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made Nigeria to operate a system known as “One Dominant Party in a Multi-Party System” and consolidated its power for 16 years until 2015. With the coming of APC, Nigeria switched to “Two Dominant Parties” in a multi-party system. Within that 16 years of PDP monopoly, the party produced two Governors in Oyo State but the State is less pragmatic and decisive in the national affairs of the Party. 

PDP was out of power for 8 years until GSM’s wonder changed the narration in 2019. The ruling party in Oyo State was woefully defeated and another path was set to greatness. GSM has shown leadership within two years of his administration. Many giant strides have been recorded and people oriented policies spring up on timely basis. Good governance that became the watchword of Oyo State under GSM coupled with his cabinet of men with dexterity and sagacity endeared Oyo State to the rest of Nigeria. 

Today, like never before, Oyo State is again a center of political authority in South Western Nigeria and a point of reference in Nigeria politics. GSM has represented PDP in many National Capacities because of his productivity and sagacity, to crown it all, he was unanimously chosen to be secretary of the last convention where he successfully delivered Oyo Candidate as Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Party. 

Feathers are added to the cap of Oyo State politically as the State is becoming what it used to be in the past, the center of authority in South West whose influence can shape Nigeria Politics. All thanks to Seyi Makinde that made Oyo State a point of focus because of his unparalleled exhibition of Good Government. 

Ogunwoye Samson Gbemiga,

Ogbomoso,

ogunwoyesamson@gmail.com