An Open Message to His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, Executive Governor of Oyo State
October 21, 2025.
Your Excellency, Sir,
Welcome back to the seat of service. I join countless citizens of Oyo State in expressing profound joy at your safe return from your leave. Your gesture of handing over to your Deputy, His
Excellency Barr. Bayo Lawal, was a masterstroke of democratic trust and exemplary leadership. Thank you for believing in Oke-Ogun, and for entrusting my father, Barr. Lawal, with the sacred responsibility of stewardship in your absence.
Permit me also to congratulate you on the installation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen.) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. Igba odun, odun kan ni.
Your Excellency, while you were away, the expectations among the people — particularly your party members — were intense. The Acting Governor’s residence became a beehive of political activity, a reflection of the people’s deep yearning for inclusion and attention. But many soon realized that while the Deputy could listen, he lacked the executive latitude to act beyond delegated authority.
Since my last correspondence with you, much has unfolded across the state, particularly in infrastructure. Your pronouncement that no new contracts would be awarded by September 2025 has generated mixed feelings. Respectfully, I wish to draw your attention to a few pressing concerns:
The Igbope–Kisi road has deteriorated badly, with a section around a culvert washed away.
Along the Ado-Awaye axis, another critical point is caving in.
A recent video revealed that the Igbojaye–Komu road has become nearly impassable.
These situations call for urgent intervention — not necessarily as new contracts, but as repairs, renewals, and rehabilitation projects that safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Your Excellency, I am aware of your firm stance on local government administration. Yet, when roads collapse or amenities fail, citizens seldom differentiate between federal, state, or local responsibilities. What they see is government — and what they expect is justice, fairness, and responsive leadership. As you once said in a moment of candour, “Ebi npa wa.” That reality speaks not only to the people on the streets but also to the grassroots of your own political family.
Across the state, the hunger for inclusion is palpable. Your party members feel distant from the warmth of government. Meanwhile, opposition representatives are leveraging federal resources to win hearts across communities. Governance, at its best, thrives when prosperity trickles down and loyalty is rewarded with empowerment.
Therefore, Your Excellency, I humbly propose that your administration considers modest, targeted interventions — small but impactful projects that can revive local economies, create jobs, and restore faith in government. When the people eat, peace reigns; when they work, hope rises.
Below are initiatives that can be implemented through local contractors, artisans, and cooperatives — ensuring both empowerment and accountability:
1. Construction of drainage channels and minor road networks.
2. Fencing of primary schools and establishment of school farms.
3. Irrigation farms in secondary schools to promote agri-education.
4. Local fabrication of iron doors, windows, and classroom furniture.
5. Bush clearing along Ijaye–Iseyin road to enhance road safety.
6. Survey and documentation of school lands to prevent encroachment.
7. School feeding programs to boost nutrition and support local farmers.
8. Extension of street solar lighting to Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa zones for enhanced security.
9. Establishment of small-scale poultry and livestock projects for festive seasons.
10. Direct-labour erosion control projects in vulnerable communities.
11. Tractor-hiring schemes (“Agro-Uber”) for farmers’ accessibility.
12. Remodeling and painting of government buildings statewide.
13. Grading and maintenance of internal roads in farm settlements.
14. Cage fish farming across major dams (Asejire, Eleyele, Ikere, Oge, Irawo, Ajumoda, etc.).
15. Community-based refuse collection contracts.
16. Creation of mini recreational and relaxation centers with 6-aside football fields.
17. Tree planting along major roads and city entrances.
18. Landscaping and beautification of urban centers with fountains and gardens.
19. Construction of modernized gates and fencing for palaces across the state.
20. Drilling of boreholes in water-scarce communities.
These initiatives, though simple, will stimulate economic activity, engage youths, and restore optimism across our beloved state.
Your Excellency, the people still believe in you. You have set a high standard of governance — transparent, humane, and people-centered. But as hunger and hardship threaten the social balance, I appeal that you expand the circle of empowerment. Government prospers when its people do.
Thank you once again for your visionary leadership and continued service to Oyo State. May wisdom, compassion, and strength continue to guide your hand in the noble task of governance.
Yours respectfully,
*Surv. Kunle Busari,*
*Akabiako compound, Saki*
