My joys about Seyi Makinde’s emergence ― Alaafin

In the wake of the emergence of Mr Seyi Makinde as Oyo governor-elect, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has described as epoch-making, the spirit of sportsmanship that has thus far been exhibited between incumbent Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his successor.

Oba Adeyemi particularly expressed delight in Makinde’s assurance not to abandon projects kick-started by the outgoing Ajimobi-led administration, as well as his visit to Ajimobi where they exchanged pleasantries.

Contained in a letter he signed and made available to Tribune Online, Oba Adeyemi said he was buoyed up by the fact that just like the Alaafin institution, Makinde has keyed into the imperativeness of continuity in governance.

He said it was historical that the era of political antagonism was over, with Makinde not out on the usual vendetta against the outgoing governor, but rather keen on partnering for the continued progress of the state.

The letter read: “The governorship election in Oyo State might have come and gone. However, the aftermath of it is of special interest and personal joy to me.

“This has to do with the spirit of sportsmanship that followed the election. This is especially in respect of the outgoing governor in person of Senator Abiola Ajimobi and the incoming one, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde.

“The exchange of pleasantries between the two affable gentlemen is of special note and attention to all discerning minds.

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“I am particularly delighted by the promise of the governor-elect not to abandon the projects already embarked upon by the outgoing government.

“One lesson to learn from promise is that this is the first time in the governance of Oyo State that there will be continuity in governance in the state.

“The difference, however, is that continuity in governance may not be in partisan personnel but in the implementation of good projects started by a government of another political party.

“One significant and remarkable thing about the institution of Alaafin before, during colonial rule and, the attainment of the indigenous political regime since independence is that successive Alaafins have always used their good offices to compliment successive administrations at all tiers of government.

“The Alaafin had always seen himself as a partner in progress to successive governments. On a final note, I am happy to note that unlike what used to be in the era of political antagonism, the incoming governor is not going to see the governor’s chair as one vacated by a political enemy but as one occupied by a fraternal brother irrespective of political differences, with the usual attendant vendetta.”