Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has revealed that he made a principled decision not to accept any awards or chieftaincy titles while still serving as governor, in order to allow the public to objectively assess his performance in office.
Makinde made this known while receiving a high-powered delegation from the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundin II, at his residence in Ibadan. The delegation was led by the Olu of Okelisa Titun, Olu Adekunle Ajanaku.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, the governor acknowledged that he had been approached several times to receive various honours but had respectfully turned them down, guided by personal conviction and a desire to focus on service delivery.
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However, Governor Makinde said he would make an exception to accept the chieftaincy title offered by the Deji of Akure. He cited the deep respect he holds for the monarch and his own maternal ancestral ties to Akure as reasons for the decision.
“There is always a saying that a prophet is not honoured in his hometown, but I am more than happy that my honour as a prophet will begin from my maternal home of Akure,” Makinde said.
The governor emphasized that his original stance was aimed at allowing the public to evaluate his tenure without any influence from honorary recognitions. Nonetheless, he said the offer from Oba Ogunlade holds personal significance and aligns with his heritage.
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The delegation conveyed the Deji’s intention to honour Governor Makinde with a chieftaincy title during the monarch’s tenth coronation anniversary in July.
The Olu of Okelisa Titun praised Makinde’s transformational achievements in Oyo State and his contributions to national development, saying the honour was a reflection of his integrity and enduring support for Akure Kingdom.
In response, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Akure and pledged to continue supporting the community and the monarchy.
He also highlighted people-oriented projects he has supported in Akure, including the renovation of the historic St. David’s Cathedral.