“Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results, not attributes.”
Leadership may be bestowed, but sterling leadership is inherent – cultivated through years of grooming, self-development, capacity building, tested responsibilities, hard work, and astute management.
There is no doubt that His Excellency, , is a born leader, shaped, formed and imbued with the attributes of greatness. It is no longer debatable that he ranks among the best governors Oyo State has ever produced.
The internal wranglings within the (PDP) – involving dissident figures such as Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose and their gang – were a stern test of resilient leadership. Governor Makinde found himself at the forefront of the struggle to save the party from being hijacked and delivered to the APC. His ability to seize the gauntlet, rise to the occasion, and fortify the party by convening an unprecedented National Convention in Ibadan demonstrated strategic and determined leadership.
Note that the Ibadan National Convention remains the only legally binding convention of the PDP, following the Supreme Court’s position that courts must not interfere in the internal affairs of political parties. Consequently, Wike and Fayose remain expelled from the party to date.
Makinde did not stop there. Alongside other party members of unshaken integrity, he went boldly into Abuja – Wike’s perceived stronghold and successfully reclaimed the PDP Wadata House and stopped the so called ‘Mayor of Abuja’ and self styled ’emperor’ of the FCT, from taking possession of the premises. It was the act of a true general; a man of integrity and courage, who puts the people first, a leader whose art for diplomacy is unquestionable, and whose word aligns with his actions. That is Governor Seyi Makinde. Probity is his second name.
Makinde’s love for Oyo State shone again during the resplendent and colourful celebration of the state’s 50th anniversary – an event that drew sons and daughters of Oyo, friends, admirers, tourists, and travel bloggers from around the world. Indeed, Makinde has delivered above and beyond the promises he made when he first took the oath of office on May 29, 2019.
Even his critics struggle to identify any area of governance where he has not delivered – whether infrastructure, education, healthcare, timely payment of salaries and pensions, agriculture, the economy, or the security of lives and property.
Where many leaders slow down in their second term, believing they no longer need the electorate, Makinde has accelerated delivery, ensuring that every promise is fulfilled. One such promise was the transformation of the Ibadan Airport into an international facility. Skeptics questioned both the pledge and the 2026 timeline. Today, those skeptics have been forced to swallow their doubts – Makinde has delivered.
The bold step toward direct international connectivity, beginning with services linked to Ibadan and London, marks a new chapter. By June, the Ladoke Akintola Airport will officially attain international status. In line with global best practices, the government ensured that safety came first, undertaking massive upgrades from 2024 to meet international aviation standards.
This extraordinary development has been welcomed with gratitude and excitement across Oyo State. Previously, residents endured the stress, cost, and risks of travelling to Lagos to board international flights, often facing delays and missed connections. That inconvenience is now a thing of the past.
With this achievement, Governor Makinde has once again demonstrated that the people come first, prioritising ease of life, safety and economic opportunities. The airport’s upgrade is set to attract investors, tourists, and new businesses, creating jobs and expanding Oyo’s economic horizon.
We must commend our governor and leader of the PDP, the ever-progressive Oluseyi Makinde, for this giant leap for Oyo State. We pray that God grants him good health and the wherewithal to continue this remarkable work. He is a man sorely needed in the national political realm of our country, right now that Nigeria is gasping for breath!
- Dare Adeleke is a founding member of the PDP. He writes from Ibadan.
