Ibadan
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has publicly expressed regret over the departure of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, saying governance at the federal level has sharply declined since Osinbajo left office. Speaking on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during the 60th birthday celebration of Rev. Samson Ajetomobi in Ibadan, Makinde contrasted Osinbajo’s inclusive leadership style with what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s rigid and closed-door approach to federal governance.
Makinde addressed Osinbajo directly, recalling his leadership during a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s COVID-19 response:
“Sir, I personally miss you in that position. Many people may not know why things are not really the same. It’s not politics because I’m not on that podium,” he said.
He highlighted Osinbajo’s respect for state autonomy during the early days of the pandemic. In February 2020, Oyo State, then under Makinde’s leadership for only seven months, chose not to implement a total lockdown despite federal pressure.
“NEC convened a meeting, and some colleagues pushed for lockdowns. But because of Osinbajo’s leadership, Oyo State did not lock down,” Makinde recalled.
The governor used the example to illustrate what he sees as a stark difference in approach between Osinbajo and the current administration.
Makinde also criticized the handling of the 2026 federal tax reform bills, describing the process as opaque and dismissive of state input.
“We asked for the tax bill to be reviewed and debated dispassionately, but you cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation. The tax bill will go ahead regardless. We don’t know what passed in the National Assembly, and we don’t know what was signed. When I say I miss you, I miss you so much, sir,” he said.
The governor warned that the reforms risk overburdening citizens already grappling with high inflation and stressed that the lack of transparency undermines federal-state collaboration.
Makinde’s remarks went beyond nostalgia for Osinbajo. He praised the former vice president for prioritizing the national interest, allowing dissenting voices, and respecting state decisions—qualities Makinde argues are largely absent under the current administration.
“True leadership is measured by societal impact, not partisan advantage,” he said, underscoring the difference he sees between the two leadership styles.
Makinde’s public statements also signal his positioning as a leading opposition voice ahead of the 2027 elections, using the speech to contrast his preferred model of governance against the current federal administration.
As of Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Presidency has not responded to Makinde’s comments, but political analysts suggest the remarks are likely to fuel debates on leadership style, federalism, and citizen engagement in governance.
With growing public scrutiny over federal-state relations, transparency, and economic policy, Makinde’s praise of Osinbajo and critique of Tinubu may resonate beyond Oyo State, setting the stage for intensified discussions in the run-up to the next general elections.