Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against trying to single-handedly determine his successor.
According to Shittu, the people of Oyo are seeking new ideas and leadership—not continuity dictated by one man.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Shittu said the concept of outgoing governors imposing successors is undemocratic and out of touch with the aspirations of the electorate.
His remarks follow Makinde’s recent hint that he will announce his preferred successor in early 2026.
Makinde made the comment during the 11th Omituntun Ramadan Lecture in Ibadan, where he thanked Islamic clerics for their prayers and hinted that by January 2026, he would present a candidate he believes should carry on his administration’s work.
Responding to this, Shittu, who has declared interest in contesting the 2026 governorship election, warned against such a move, stating that only God determines who leads.
“Makinde isn’t in a position to decide who governs after him. No one foresaw his own emergence, so how can he now predict the future? Power is from God, and no amount of scheming can override that,” Shittu said.
He emphasized that the idea of an outgoing governor installing a successor contradicts the principles of democratic leadership and would be resisted by the people.
Shittu also called for power rotation among the various regions of the state. He expressed concern over the dominance of Ibadan indigenes in the state’s leadership, stating that out of the last several governors, most have hailed from the Ibadan axis, sidelining other areas like Oke-Ogun, Oyo, Ibarapa, and Ogbomoso.
He pointed out that although former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso briefly held the position, it was due to special circumstances after his predecessor was impeached.
“In the last 30 years, Ibadan has produced almost all the governors. That’s not healthy for a state with several distinct zones. If we want fairness and peace, power must rotate,” he said.
Citing national examples, Shittu noted how northern politicians have, at times, stepped aside to allow southern leaders emerge, arguing that similar political maturity is needed in Oyo.
He explained that while Ibadan accounts for over half of the state’s population, it also comprises people from other ethnic groups, making the city a melting pot. As such, leadership should not be based on place of birth alone but on a shared vision for inclusive governance.
“I’ve lived in Ibadan for more than 40 years. I own homes here, my children were born here, and my political life has been centered in this city. Still, I believe other zones should also have their time. Equity demands it,” Shittu stated.
He concluded by saying political balance is essential for harmony and warned against repeating the pattern of marginalization.
Efforts to reach Governor Makinde’s spokesperson, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to messages after initially promising a comment.