The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has congratulated Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on his re‑election for a second term. In a statement released by his personal assistant Oladele Ogunsola on Sunday, the monarch described Makinde’s victory in Saturday’s governorship election as a reward for keeping faith with his covenant with the people of the state.
Makinde, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, polled 563,756 votes, defeating his strongest contender Teslim Folarin of the All Progressive Congress, who scored 256,685 votes, while Adebayo Adelabu of the Accord Party garnered 38,357 votes.
The Olubadan urged Makinde to view his re‑election as a call to do more for Oyo State. “There’s always the tendency for a second‑timer to be lethargic because there’s nothing to aspire to again, at least at the state level; but I appeal to you to see the new mandate as a call to do more in terms of service delivery,” he said. He added that the confidence reposed in the governor by the electorate is hinged on hope for greater dividends of democracy.
He further implored Makinde to reflect on the criticisms raised by opponents during the campaign, noting that “not all of them were political propaganda or mere attempts to demarket you and your administration, but very germane and crucial to good governance.” The Olubadan advised the governor to keep the general welfare of the people as his focus in the new dispensation, placing less emphasis on party politics and embracing all for the overall growth and development of the state.
“You can’t do all, but let it be said of you at the end of another four years that you did your possible best and that the people of the state remain proud of the choice made in you,” he concluded.
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