I have broken the jinx of ‘who is your father’ in Oyo politics – Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State declared during a Students’ Legislative Summit that he has shattered the dominance of “who is your father” politics in the state. The summit, organized by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, and the Students’ Representative Council of the University of Ibadan, was attended by dignitaries including the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who was represented.

Makinde emphasized that in the past, political success in Oyo State was often determined by familial connections, but he has successfully broken away from that tradition. He highlighted his background, stating that his father was an ordinary individual, yet the people of Oyo State entrusted him with leadership.

The governor stressed the importance of youth involvement in governance, asserting that Nigerian youths must play a more active role in shaping the future and governance. He emphasized that leadership development is crucial for preparing young people for their roles in society.

“We may not be able to prepare the future for the youth, but we can prepare the youth for the future. Please, don’t see this event as just an opportunity to look at the issue of leadership in this country. And, in me, Seyi Makinde, the youth have an ally and we will prepare the leaders of the next generation amongst the youth.

“I am here this afternoon to encourage the youth. If you look at the history of Nigeria, we had our independence in 1960 and six years after, in 1966, the person that became the Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, was 31 years and some months old. After him, during the Second Republic, former President Obasanjo retired as a General at the age of 39.

“You should dream big; people have ruled this country at very tender ages. So, for you, don’t think that at 29 or 30, you are too young to rule and I am glad, because this is almost like catching them early.

“You have the students here and in about three years, some of you will be out there to move on. If I were you, I wouldn’t start looking for work; I would start doing my own thing at a very early age of 24 or 25. With the kind of energy you still have, you can pull down the kingdom of Satan.”