IBADAN – In a bold departure from the traditional “godfather” politics that has long defined Nigerian successions, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has sent a clear message to political jobbers and loyalty-seekers: The era of the puppet governor is over.

Speaking during the 12th ‘Omituntun’ Annual Ramadan Public Lecture at Agodi Gate, Ibadan, Makinde declared that his search for a successor in 2027 will not be based on personal fealty to him, but on an uncompromising commitment to the people of Oyo State.

Makinde’s stance appears to be a calculated move to avoid the “political heartbreak” currently plaguing many former governors across the federation. He revealed that his decision was shaped by conversations with colleagues who installed “loyalists” only to be betrayed the moment they left office.

“I have been talking to quite a number of my colleagues, and they said the person they handed over power to got to office and started misbehaving,” Makinde shared. “The common thread has been that they installed someone whom they felt would be loyal to them.”

Determined to break this cycle, the Governor insisted that the criteria for 2027 has shifted from personal protection to public competence.

The Governor’s “No Puppets” policy is rooted in the idea that a leader focused on pleasing a predecessor cannot effectively serve the state. He outlined a vision where the next governor’s primary allegiance must be to the “Pacesetter State” rather than to the “Seyi Makinde” brand.

To underscore what “loyalty to the state” looks like in practice, Makinde highlighted his administration’s focus on long-term welfare over short-term political gains

The guest lecturer at the event, Sheikh Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi, echoed the Governor’s sentiments but added a layer of caution. While praising Makinde’s developmental strides, the cleric warned him to stay vigilant against “mischievous people” who might attempt to derail the state’s peace under the guise of loyalty as the 2027 transition draws closer.

With this declaration, Makinde has effectively thrown the 2027 race wide open, challenging potential candidates to prove their worth to the voters of Oyo rather than lobbying for an endorsement from the Governor’s office.