I’m blind to party coloration, open to capacity that can move Oyo forward — Makinde

Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has defended his administration’s policy of appointing individuals with diverse political backgrounds, asserting that his primary focus remains the development of the state rather than partisan loyalty.

Speaking on his successor and the inclusion of aides with backgrounds in the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Governor dismissed criticisms regarding the political “purity” of his cabinet, stating that the progress of Oyo State takes precedence over party affiliations.

Makinde’s remarks were a direct response to comments made by Moronkola Thomas concerning the political pedigree of certain top officials, including Bimbo Adekanmbi. Critics had questioned whether the Governor, in his seven years of leadership, could not mentor individuals who did not have a “tint of APC” in them to take over the reins of power.

Reacting to these concerns, the Governor challenged the logic of excluding capable indigenes based on their political history.

“I asked them that Moronkola Thomas or Bimbo Adekanmbi, are they from Oyo State? They are from Oyo State. Okay. For us, if you are from Oyo State and you are loyal to Oyo State and you have the capacity, we will tap you to support the development of Oyo State,” Makinde said.

He further clarified that his administration maintains a balanced team by pairing experienced technocrats with core loyalists to ensure effective governance.

“For those criticizing, let me say that for every Moronkola Thomas, there is a Segun Ogunwuyi. For every Bimbo Adekanmbi, there is a Professor Babatunde,” the Governor noted.

Reiterating his commitment to meritocracy, Makinde concluded: “We are blind to party coloration, but open to capacity that can move Oyo State forward.”