Seyi Bayo: Oke-ogun has never had it so good || By Oyedeji Ahmed

By all empirical accounts, Governor Seyi Makinde stands out as one of Oyo State’s most exceptional leaders, driven by his accelerated development agenda that’s transforming the state, including the long-overlooked Oke-Ogun zone. 

What’s remarkable is that his leadership is also widely praised, even by APC leaders and members, religious leaders, and traditional rulers, who recognize him as a true ‘Omoluabi’.

The leadership duo of Governor Seyi Makinde and his Deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, have consistently demonstrated the Omoluabi trait, embodying values of impeccable character, humility, brilliance, and a go-getter attitude. 

Their collaborative approach to governance has yielded significant benefits for the people of Oyo State. Together, they have driven development initiatives, improved infrastructure, and enhanced the quality of life for Oyo State residents. 

While it is on record that Governor Makinde’s administration have been marked by a commitment to excellence, transparency, and accountability, earning him widespread recognition and admiration, it is safe to say that the impact of his leadership will be felt for generations to come, as he continue to work tirelessly to build a brighter future for Oyo State and its people.

Not only that the Governor has been recognized as one of the best in Oyo State’s history, with his leadership style and development initiatives earning widespread recognition, but his focus on road network development, construction, and reconstruction has transformed the state’s infrastructure, making it a model for other states.

Under the current administration, the Oke-Ogun zone has continued to experience unprecedented development which it has never had before. This zone, known for its vast potential, had previously suffered neglect, but Makinde’s administration has brought about a new era of growth and progress. 

Similarly, his Co-pilot from Kishi, Barr. Lawal also played a crucial role in driving development in Oyo State, including the Oke-Ogun zone. His contributions to the state’s growth and progress are notable, and his commitment to the development of the Oke-Ogun zone is evident in the various initiatives and projects underway.

Take for instance, Saki has witnessed significant developments, including: the completion of the 9.7km dualized Saki Township road with street lights, the upgrade of OYSADEP to OYSADA to improve agricultural yields and make food affordable.

Also, the Appointments and recruitments of about 2,000 individuals from the Oke-ogun zone into various sectors, including education, civil service, and healthcare. Likewise the promotion and appointments of several Oke-Ogun illustrious sons and daughters to Permanent Secretary which is unprecedented.

No one would have overlooked the Saki-Ogboro-Igboho Road, which is almost completed and connects Saki West, Saki East, and Oorelope Local Government Areas. It is part of the present administration’s aim to improve connectivity and stimulate the local economy.

How about in the health sector? I don’t think anyone with the Omoluabi’s ethos from the Oke-Ogun zone should allowed himself to be used as a hatchet job against Governor Makinde and his deputy, Barr. Lawal, by calling them unprintable names when it was evident and clear that the current administration’s intervention touched all areas and could be seen even with the improvement of the Saki Specialist Hospital, which offers the residents of Oke-ogun high quality healthcare services.

It should be recalled that the Oyo State Agribusiness Development headquarters at Saki, a major project aimed at enhancing agricultural production and food security, was also a part of agricultural development in the Oke-ogun zone. Not to mention the governor’s efforts to improve the state’s security architecture, especially in the rural Oke-Ogun zone, by making sure a MOPOL Base is located in Ago-Are. This is another noteworthy project that has improved security in the area. Even before emphasising the upcoming Igbeti airstrip building, which will enhance connectivity and promote economic expansion.

Except a fool or a low born individual would fail to acknowledge that the Makinde administration’s efforts have had a significant impact on the lives of Oke-Ogun residents, including sitting LAUTECH campus in Iseyin which had long been craved for over the years. 

Governor Makinde’s commitment to the development of Oke-Ogun is evident in his administration’s efforts to connect local government areas to Saki’s economy, promoting economic uplift and growth. His leadership has brought hope and renewed optimism to the people of Oke-Ogun, who are confident that their region will continue to flourish under his watch. Whilst his Deputy remains a dependable and effective leader, committed to Oyo State’s development. His contributions to the state’s growth and progress are significant and will not be overshadowed by unfounded claims.

If I may ask, is it not the same Deputy Governor who, while acting as Acting Governor, was equally praised for his handling of the Gbenpankan saga, demonstrating his capacity to settle disputes and foster peaceful coexistence, and who trekked for kilometres in a troubled Saki hotspot to quell communal clashes? 

Can any educated or elite individual in the Oke-Ogun zone justify disparaging such a valuable leader or allow themselves to be used for a malicious attack? Perhaps only someone driven by ulterior motives and lacking integrity would spread falsehoods on a plate of jollof rice. However, such recklessness can have serious consequences, including potential legal repercussions, even without substantiating evidence.

I think that buddy requires immediate rehabilitation at a correctional center in Ibadan. It appears he has the backing of notable stakeholders in Saki West Local Government, emboldening him to use the town’s name (Sakifirst) on Facebook to spread malicious attacks against elders without facts, and out of proportion.

Below are some notable achievements in the Oke-ogun zone in the last six years:

— The reconstruction of Ibadan Iseyin Road

— Reconstruction of Oyo Iseyin Road

— Rehabilitation of Iseyin Saki Road

— Construction of 78km Iseyin Fapote Ogbomoso road

— Recruitment of over 2000 indegenes of Oke Ogun to various ministries and agencies of government 

– On going reconstruction of Saki Ogboro road

The establishment of the Iseyin Campus.

-The unprecedented appointment of three Permanent Secretaries from Oke

-Building of Primary health care centers across wards in Oke Ogun

-Renovations of schools through the CSDA in some Primary Schools Oke Ogun 

-Renovations of schools through the education intervention funds.

The list of the present administration’s achievements in Oke Ogun is numerous and still on going. Only a mischievous and a mudslinger will play blind and dumb to Makinde administration’s achievements in Oke Ogun and Oyo State at large.