Makinde Launches Elders’ Council, Urges Members to Provide Strong Recommendations -

Governor Seyi Makinde has taken a significant step by inaugurating the 9-member Oyo State Elders’ Council, emphasizing the importance of robust suggestions and feedback from across the state for his administration. The council, which includes members drawn from all zones of the state, was inaugurated at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Tuesday. Dr. Saka Balogun, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees and former Chief of Staff to Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, was appointed chairman, with Elder Wole Oyelese, a former Minister of Steel Development, serving as co-chairman.

Other notable members of the council include Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State; Chief Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, wife of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja; Chief Jacob Adetoro; Chief Adedamola Eyinade; Alhaji Nureni Akanbi; Ambassador Ronke Adefowope; and Chief Sunday Ogunlade.

Governor Makinde highlighted the achievements of his administration in transforming Oyo State’s politics and governance, citing the recent peaceful conduct of the House of Assembly by-election in Saki West Local Government, despite the ruling PDP’s loss. He emphasized the shift away from politics characterized by violence and a win-at-all-costs mentality, which prevailed before he assumed office in 2019.

While acknowledging the progress made during his first term and the subsequent eight months of his second term, Governor Makinde acknowledged areas for improvement and expressed his commitment to ensuring that residents receive the best service. He pledged to hold scheduled meetings with the Elders’ Council every other month to facilitate collaboration and receive input on areas needing improvement, aiming for a remarkable difference in governance compared to the first term. This initiative underscores Governor Makinde’s dedication to inclusive governance and harnessing the wisdom and experience of elder statesmen for the advancement of Oyo State.