Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, against attempting to handpick a successor, saying the people are eager for new leadership.
Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH, Shittu, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, criticised the idea of anointing a political heir, calling it an outdated and undemocratic practice that no longer suits Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
His remarks follow Governor Makinde’s recent comments during the 11th Omituntun Ramadan Lecture in Ibadan, where he hinted at revealing his preferred successor in January 2026.
While addressing Muslim clerics and guests at the event, Makinde acknowledged their support and asked for continued prayers for his administration. He also made light-hearted remarks about not yet being a “lame duck,” joking with a local socialite about political billboards.
He added that once the 2026 political season kicks off, he would unveil the person he believes should take over from him.
However, Shittu, who is eyeing the governorship position in 2026, dismissed Makinde’s plan as unrealistic and urged the public to ignore it.
“Makinde is not God,” he said. “Nobody saw him becoming governor before it happened. So how does he think he can dictate who succeeds him? Power belongs to God, not man. I’m praying to be given the opportunity to lead and show what good governance looks like.”
Shittu also criticised the historical imbalance in the state’s leadership, noting that most governors since the return to democracy have hailed from Ibadan.
He argued that this dominance is unfair and politically unwise, calling for power rotation across Oyo’s seven geopolitical zones to ensure inclusiveness and equity.
“Out of about seven governors in the last three decades, six have been from Ibadan,” he noted. “Only Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso became governor, and that was due to the impeachment of his predecessor, Rashidi Ladoja. We need to change that narrative.”
He drew parallels with national politics, referencing the North’s decision to allow power shift to other regions, which paved the way for leaders like former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Shittu highlighted that although Ibadan comprises around 52 percent of Oyo’s population, the city is home to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Ijebus, Egbas, and Ijeshas. He believes that fair rotation of power would strengthen unity and reduce political tension.
“Just as power sharing at the national level has helped to keep Nigeria stable, Oyo State must embrace inclusivity in its leadership,” he said. “We can’t continue to marginalise other zones and expect peace.”
Shittu added that while he’s lived in Ibadan for over four decades and has deep personal ties to the city, he still believes in equity. He revealed he owns multiple properties in the city, has conducted most of his political activities there, and has children with Ibadan women.
“I’m not an outsider,” he said. “But justice demands that we give others a chance too. It’s time for Oyo to reflect the diversity of its people in its leadership.”
Attempts to get a response from Governor Makinde’s spokesperson, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to follow-up messages despite initially promising to comment.