TheNewsGuru

Tag: Seyi Makinde

  • My heart, still heavy with grief – Seyi Makinde pens heartfelt tribute to late brother

    My heart, still heavy with grief – Seyi Makinde pens heartfelt tribute to late brother

    The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has penned down an emotional tribute in honor of his  brother, Engr Sunday Olufunmilayo Makinde, who passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 65.

    Makinde, in a tribute shared in his February monthly newsletter, said that the death of his brother came at an unexpected time but appreciated the legacy of hard work and sincerity left behind.

    Praising the life of impact lived by his brother, the Oyo governor noted that he is yet to recover from the shock.

    The tribute reads:  “You walked so I could run. Sundo, it’s hard to believe that I am writing a tribute to you at this time. You left so unexpectedly and suddenly that I am still in shock that you are no more with us.

    “I remember when you came back in 1982 and we had to share dad’s bed, we formed a bond that would blossom later in life. It was not supposed to end like this. We were not supposed to talk about your passing for at least another 20 years.

    “You were my example; you showed me that it was possible to achieve my dreams if I remained focused. You broadened my horizons with your own exploits and influenced my decision to get my first degree before joining the military. Unlike you, I was unsuccessful in that bid to join the military afterwards.

    “Sundo, you have left behind a legacy of hard work and showed me that honesty is in fact, the best policy as you were a straight-talking man of principle. You were candid and I could always tell where I stood with you. You were the voice of reason in our family, a true first born – the binder.

    “My heart is heavy with grief, yet I take solace in the knowledge that you lived an impactful and fulfilled life.”

  • Tinubu reacts over Gov Makinde’s brother’s death

    Tinubu reacts over Gov Makinde’s brother’s death

    President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde, his family and the people of Oyo State, over the death of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde.

    The president, in a condolence message issued on Monday, said that the loss of a loved one, especially a cherished elder brother, is a profound sorrow.

    “In this time of mourning, I want you to know that I, along with many others, stand with you and your family.

    “We pray for strength and comfort as you navigate this irreplaceable loss. I hope you find comfort in the memories you shared and the impact he had on those around him.

    “This moment reminds us of the importance of family, unity and love—values that your family has always exemplified and that we all hold dear. May these values strengthen you and your loved ones in this time of grief,” he said.

    Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and for the Almighty to grant the governor and his family the strength to navigate this challenging time.

    “Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and that you are not alone in this period. You can count on my unwavering support and assistance during this difficult time,” the president said.

  • NGF mourns, CAN condoles with Gov Makinde over brother’s death

    NGF mourns, CAN condoles with Gov Makinde over brother’s death

    The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Saturday,  condoled with Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State  over the death of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde.

    The forum, in a statement in Abuja by its Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, commiserated with the Makinde family, and  people of Oyo state.

    Sunday Makinde died on Thursday at the age of 65.

    AbdulRazaq said that Makinde’s exemplary life of service and dedication would forever remain an inspiration to all who associated with him.

    “The NGF stands in solidarity with Gov. Makinde during this moment of grief, offering our prayers and support to him and his family.

    “We pray for the repose of Sunday Makinde’s soul and for God’s comfort to the governor, his loved ones, and everyone mourning this profound loss,” he said.

    He also prayed for the soul of the deceased to rest in eternal peace and for his memory to continue to serve as a beacon of love and unity.

    CAN condoles with Gov Makinde over brother’s death

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, has condoled Gov. Seyi Makinde and his family over the death of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde.

    The Media Aide to Oyo CAN Chairman, Dr Olamide Olanrewaju, in a condolence message on Saturday in Ibadan, described Sunday’s death as shocking and painful.

    The family of the deceased had announced his death in the early hours of Jan. 24.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with his Excellency and the entire Makinde family.

    “May God Almighty repose the departed soul and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Oyo CAN said.

    The deceased, aged 65, is survived by siblings, children and grandchildren.

  • JUST-IN: Gov Makinde loses family member

    JUST-IN: Gov Makinde loses family member

    The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has lost his older brother, Engr Sunday Makinde.

    According to the statement by one of the governor’s brothers, Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde on Friday, 65-year Engr Sunday Makinde passed away in the wee hours of Friday, January 24, 2024.

    The younger Makinde, who is the Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland and Head of Aigbofa Family of Oja’ba in Ibadan: said, “With a heavy heart, I announce the passage of my older brother, Engr Sunday Makinde, to eternal glory today, Friday 24th of January 2025.

    “His sudden death occurred in his Ibadan residence at 3.20am today, Friday 24th January 2025.

    “He is survived by siblings, among whom is the Executive Governor of Oyo state, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, children and grand children.”

  • Makinde swears-in 48 Permanent Secretaries

    Makinde swears-in 48 Permanent Secretaries

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Monday inaugurated 48 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state civil/public service.

    Speaking during the ceremony held at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde charged the permanent secretaries to discharge their duties effectively and contribute their quota to development of the state.

    He urged the new permanent secretaries to work hand in hand with his government to achieve its vision of sustainable development in the state.

    The governor described the event as historic, adding that the process of their appointments was based on objectivity, merit and without any interference from anywhere.

    According to him, the appointment of permanent secretaries in the education and local government sectors was done to encourage and motivate people working silently

    He congratulated the new permanent secretaries, and also appreciated the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, for handling the appointment processes diligently.

    Highlight of the event was the taking of Oaths of Office and Allegiance by the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

  • BREAKING: Makinde appoints Prince Owoade as new Alaafin of Oyo

    BREAKING: Makinde appoints Prince Owoade as new Alaafin of Oyo

    The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Friday approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

    The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade confirmed this in a statement, where he disclosed that the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi conducted an extensive consultation and traditional divinations before appointing Owoade.

    “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement read.

    In his remarks, Ademola Ojo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, stated that the announcement ends the legal and social disputes that followed the passing of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who died on April 22, 2022.

    “This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi. We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment,” Ojo said.

    Oyelade expressed optimism that the reign of the new Alaafin would usher in peace, unity, and prosperity for the Oyo Kingdom.

    “We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution,” he added.

  • Why Ooni of Ife’s estranged wife, Naomi, others must be prosecuted over stampede – Makinde

    Why Ooni of Ife’s estranged wife, Naomi, others must be prosecuted over stampede – Makinde

    The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has insisted that suspects involved in the tragic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children, must face trial regardless of their status.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Naomi Silekunola was arraigned alongside Oriyomi Hazmat, the chief executive officer of Agidigbo FM, and a school principal before an Oyo State Magistrate Court over the deaths of 35 children during the Christmas funfair at Ibadan, the state capital, on December 18.

    Makinde, while speaking on Monday at the 2025 Annual Inter-faith Service for state workers, addressed those calling for leniency, stating that the rule of law will be upheld in Oyo State. 

    The governor disclosed that some individuals have argued that similar incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) did not lead to prosecutions, questioning why Oyo State should proceed differently.

    The governor responded firmly, stating, “Even if nobody is held accountable elsewhere, in Oyo State, the rule of law will prevail.” 

    Makinde continued saying: “In the outgone year, we faced challenges. 2024 started for us here in Oyo State almost on a tragic note. On 16th January 2024, we had an explosion here in Bodija. It affected even my office. The impact was felt all around Ibadan. We’re closing it out. 

    “And then, towards the end of the year, we had the stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun. 35 innocent souls were lost; may we not see such again in Oyo State. 

    “Quite a number of people have been reaching out to me, saying, ‘Oh, this incident happened in Anambra State. It also occurred in the FCT. Nobody went to jail. Why is it that in Oyo State, some people are going to jail?’ I said, ‘Well, Oyo State is not Anambra State, and no matter how highly placed, justice must be done.’ 

    “The judiciary is here; it’s in their court. If you think you can grant bail pending trial, I have nothing against it. But for the trial, the people must go on trial. 

    “So, people come to me, and I’ve been saying to them, ‘Oyo State, even if this entire country decides not to follow the rule of law, in Oyo State, we will follow; we will dare to be different. We will uphold the rule of law.’” 

  • Gov Makinde breaks silence on Ondo SSG’s death

    Gov Makinde breaks silence on Ondo SSG’s death

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the death of the Secretary to Ondo State Government (SSG), Mr Tayo Oluwatuyi, as “painful and shocking”.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

    Makinde, while expressing his condolences to Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on the demise of the SSG, encouraged him and the family of the deceased to be strong and courageous.

    He equally condoled with the Oluwatuyi family and the people of the state, praying that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “This death is shocking and painful, but we can only submit to the will of God, who gives and takes life,” Makinde stated.

    Oluwatuyi was involved in a ghastly car accident on Dec 15, 2024 on Akure – Ibadan road and was subsequently hospitalised. He finally passed away on Saturday.

  • Gov Makinde approves appointment of 45 new Perm Secs

    Gov Makinde approves appointment of 45 new Perm Secs

    Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of 45 new Permanent Secretaries and three Executive Secretaries into relevant sectors of the Oyo State.

    The approval is contained in a document signed by the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, and made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.

    The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said in a statement that the new set of appointments was unique.

    Oyelade said the development was a clear break from the norm where the mainstream civil servants enjoyed the virtual monopoly of being appointed as Permanent Secretaries.

    “This time, Gov. Makinde has approved for Local Governments to have more Permanent Secretaries than the usual token in time past.

    “As a matter of fact, seven new Permanent Secretaries have now been approved in the Local Government sector,” he said.

    The Commissioner said that the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) would now have zonal Executive Secretaries.

    “Similarly, the health sector will have Permanent Secretaries to head their zones instead of the usual Heads of Hospitals.”

    He recalled that over 23,000 government workers had been recruited and over N143 billion would be paid yearly to the workers from this January.

  • Oborevwori congratulates Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, at 57 

    Oborevwori congratulates Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, at 57 

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated his Oyo State counterpart, Mr Seyi Makinde, on his 57th birth anniversary.
    Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba on Wednesday, acknowledged Makinde’s transformative leadership and significant contributions to Oyo State’s development.
    He described Makinde as a successful businessman and shrewd politician who applied his years of private sector experience to bear for good, on the public service of his state.
    The governor also praised Makinde for his continuous patriotic service to his state and the country at large and prayed to God for his continued good health and wisdom to enable him sustain his good deeds for the benefit of his deserving people.
    Oborevwori said, “your massive investments in infrastructural renewal, educational advancement, healthcare delivery and the welfare of workers have continued to improve on the economy and well-being of Oyo State citizens.
    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I heartily rejoice with you, an outstanding professional, astute businessman and my brother governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, as you celebrate 57 years on Christmas Day.
    “I celebrate with your family, friends, and associates on this auspicious occasion and thank Almighty God for your life filled with amazing accomplishments.”