Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has issued a warning to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, advising him against endorsing a successor ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Shittu argued that such a move would be undemocratic and out of step with the current political climate in Nigeria.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Shittu, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, criticized the concept of grooming a political heir, describing it as an outdated practice that no longer reflects the expectations of the electorate.
His comments were in response to Governor Makinde’s recent remarks during the 11th Omituntun Ramadan Lecture in Ibadan, where the governor hinted at announcing his preferred successor in January 2026.
While addressing clerics and attendees at the event, Makinde thanked them for their prayers and support and humorously downplayed the idea that he had lost political relevance, joking with a local figure about billboard campaigns.
He added that when the time was right, he would reveal who he believes should succeed him in office.
Shittu, who is seeking the governorship himself in 2026, dismissed the governor’s plan, urging the public to disregard it.
He emphasized that ultimate power lies with God, not any individual. “Makinde is not God,” he said.
“Nobody predicted he would become governor. So how does he believe he can determine his successor? Power belongs to God.”
He also raised concerns about regional imbalance in Oyo State’s leadership, noting that since the return of democracy, most governors have come from Ibadan.
He described this trend as both politically unwise and unfair, advocating for power to rotate among the state’s seven geopolitical zones to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
“Out of about seven governors in the last three decades, six have been from Ibadan,” he said.
“Only Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso held the position, and that was due to the impeachment of Rashidi Ladoja.
That pattern must change.”
Shittu drew comparisons with national politics, referencing how leadership has rotated between regions to promote unity—citing the rise of former President Goodluck Jonathan as an example.
He acknowledged Ibadan’s demographic dominance but argued that diversity within the city further justifies a more equitable distribution of political power.
“I’ve lived in Ibadan for over 40 years, I have property here, I’ve raised children with Ibadan women, and I’ve built my political career here.
I’m not an outsider,” he said. “But justice demands that we allow other regions a chance at leadership.
Oyo needs to reflect its diversity.”
Efforts to reach Governor Makinde’s spokesperson, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to follow-up messages after initially agreeing to comment.
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