“Oyo State Government House Deserves a Face-lift, Gov. Seyi Makinde is Not a Spendthrift” — Hon. John Adisa-Oke LEGACY

From the First Republic’s Bola Ige (1979–1983), to Lam Adesina (1999–2003), to Abiola Ajimobi (2011–2019), Oyo’s Governors have long wrestled with preserving the dignity of public institutions. Lam Adesina refurbished the blueprint of governance, Adebayo Alao‑Akala (2006–11) focused on regional cohesion, while Abiola Ajimobi built major roads, bridges, and power plants.

Yet, none undertook a comprehensive restoration of the Government House. Its hallways tell stories of leaky ceilings, outdated facilities, and security vulnerabilities—failures that transcend political party or tenure.

Once a site of pride and prestige, the structure has weathered decades of political transitions, policy experiments, and administrative wear. But like an aging symbol of a once-glorious dynasty, it now tells a story of neglect — until Governor Seyi Makinde decided to act.

Governor Seyi Makinde is not new to criticisms — leadership comes with scrutiny. But time and again, he has proven that his choices, though sometimes bold, are always rooted in long-term vision and sustainability. Since his emergence in 2019, Makinde has built a reputation as a governor who delivers with clarity, purpose, and fiscal discipline.

Let the facts speak:

• Education: Under Makinde’s administration, basic education has received a transformative boost. He scrapped the N3,000 school fees , introduced free textbooks, and constructed and rehabilitated over 700 schools across the state, making education more accessible to the average Oyo child.
• Health: The Governor has overseen the revamp of over 200 Primary Health Care Centres, bringing basic healthcare closer to the people, especially in rural communities.
• Infrastructure: The Moniya-Iseyin Road, Ibadan Circular Road, Ogbomoso-Fapote-Iseyin Road, and ongoing urban renewal projects are testimonies to his determination to create a connected and economically vibrant Oyo State.
• Security and Technology: Makinde procured operational vehicles for Amotekun Corps, enhanced emergency response systems, and invested in ICT to modernize governance.

So when a man who has been so prudent and impact-driven in the past chooses to commit funds to the renovation of a symbolic seat of government, perhaps we owe it to him — and ourselves — to look deeper.

Leadership is not only about roads and bridges. Sometimes, it is also about the symbolism of order, structure, and dignity. The seat of government should inspire confidence. It should be functional, safe, and befitting of a state that prides itself on being the pacesetter.

This project is not just about bricks and cement — it is about renewing Oyo State’s identity, restoring institutional respect, and creating a standard that matches the caliber of governance Makinde has championed.

Gov. Seyi Makinde is not a spendthrift.

Indeed, this is not a governor who allocates state funds for personal aggrandizement. His track record shows restraint, transparency, and people-oriented governance. He has never hidden his books from the people. Every project has had its value chain — creating jobs, improving the economy, and enhancing the quality of life.

In an era where political office is often reduced to populism and optics, Governor Seyi Makinde has remained focused on the fundamentals — development, accountability, and legacy. The N63bn renovation is not a wasteful indulgence; it is a calculated step toward giving Oyo State a befitting institutional image.

Makinde’s stewardship has already left marks that cannot be erased — in education, health, infrastructure, and human capital development. And if giving the state’s Government House a long-overdue upgrade is the next phase of that commitment, then perhaps we are witnessing yet another bold, visionary step in a leadership journey that continues to earn respect across the nation.

Let us judge not just the figure but the intent, the history, and the results. Oyo is rising — and so must the symbols that represent it.

Hon. John Adisa-Oke LEGACY is Member, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission