Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has urged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to refrain from attempting to handpick his successor, arguing that the people are ready for a new style of leadership.
Speaking during an interview with The PUNCH, Shittu, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, said the practice of endorsing a political heir is outdated and undemocratic, especially in the current Nigerian political climate.
This reaction follows Governor Makinde’s recent remarks at the 11th Omituntun Ramadan Lecture in Ibadan, where he hinted that he may announce his preferred successor in January 2026. Makinde had praised religious leaders for their support and asked for continued prayers. He also joked about not being a “lame duck” yet and referenced political billboards during his speech.
In response, Shittu—who has shown interest in running for governor in 2026—dismissed Makinde’s comments, describing them as unrealistic.
“Governor Makinde is not God,” Shittu said. “Nobody foresaw his emergence as governor. How then does he think he can singlehandedly determine who takes over from him? Leadership is ordained by God, not man. I’m praying for a chance to lead and show what true governance looks like.”
He also criticised the concentration of political leadership in Ibadan since the return to civilian rule, noting that it’s time for other parts of the state to have a chance at the governorship.
“Out of seven governors in the last 30 years, six came from Ibadan,” Shittu observed. “Only Adebayo Alao-Akala, from Ogbomoso, broke the pattern—and that was due to an impeachment. We need to move beyond that.”
Shittu called for a fair rotation of power among the seven geopolitical zones in Oyo State, saying inclusivity would promote unity and balance.
He drew a parallel with federal politics, pointing out how power had shifted from the North to other regions in the past, resulting in leadership opportunities for people like former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Although Ibadan accounts for about 52 percent of the state’s population, Shittu noted that the city is home to people from various ethnic backgrounds, including the Ijebus, Egbas, and Ijeshas. He emphasized that equity in leadership would ease political tensions and improve social cohesion.
“Just like zoning has helped maintain national unity, Oyo needs to reflect its diverse population in its leadership choices,” he said. “We can’t keep sidelining other regions and expect harmony.”
Shittu, who has lived in Ibadan for over 40 years, explained that he has strong personal and political ties to the city. He mentioned owning properties there, having raised his family in Ibadan, and being married to women from the city.
“I may not be Ibadan-born, but I’m not a stranger either,” he stated. “Still, for justice and fairness, it’s time to give others a seat at the table.”
Efforts to get a comment from the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, proved unsuccessful, as he did not follow up on an earlier promise to respond.
