Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council and Special Counsel to Governor Seyi Makinde, has said Oyo State must prioritize competence and continuity in choosing its next leader, warning that the state cannot afford to take backward steps after six years of what he described as transformative governance.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, the respected legal icon and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reflected on the achievements of the Makinde administration and the imperative of sustaining its development strides beyond 2027.
Ayorinde said the most significant policy shift under Governor Seyi Makinde was the immediate adoption of a “people-first” approach, particularly the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.
According to him, the administration quickly corrected the backlog of unpaid wages it inherited and ensured that salaries were paid before the end of every month.
He explained that the move was made possible through what he described as “significant financial engineering,” which revitalized the state’s economy. With civil servants receiving regular pay, commerce improved as purchasing power returned to domestic markets across the state.
Beyond salary reforms, Ayorinde highlighted the administration’s aggressive investment in infrastructure, especially road construction. He noted that previously inaccessible rural and agricultural communities were opened up, easing the transportation of farm produce and boosting economic activities.
He added that urban renewal projects in major cities like Ibadan have significantly improved mobility, citing the construction of modern bus terminals and expansion of road networks as key contributors to socio-economic growth.
On challenges faced by the administration, Ayorinde said the initial hurdle was adjusting public perception. According to him, many residents were accustomed to a style of governance that lacked dynamism and accountability.
“The new governor came in youthful and energetic, rolled up his sleeves, and changed the narrative of government work and services,” he said, noting that while it took time for citizens to adapt to the administration’s pace, the results have since earned widespread acceptance.
Assessing public sentiment, Ayorinde said although no government can claim perfection, the people of Oyo State have witnessed the administration’s industry and capacity. He maintained that citizens are unlikely to support a return to stagnation, but would rather back a candidate capable of building on the existing foundation.
As Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Ayorinde explained that his role, alongside other members, is strictly advisory and distinct from the State Executive Council. He said the council offers guidance on issues referred by the governor and sometimes those brought forward by the people, adding that their recommendations have consistently been taken seriously.
With the 2027 governorship race on the horizon, Ayorinde stressed that leadership selection must be based on competence, track record and capacity, not sentiment or entitlement.
“This is not the time for ‘Emilokan’ politics or ‘Amala’ politics. This is the time for serious work, consolidation and development. We cannot experiment with people who have failed in previous assignments or those seeking office for its glamour,” he said.
Looking ahead, he articulated a vision of economic sustainability for Oyo State, where the state becomes less dependent on federal allocations. He pointed to strategic assets such as the international airport, rail terminal, expanding road network and the emerging free trade zone as building blocks for self-reliance.
According to him, Ibadan has become increasingly attractive to investors and Nigerians in the diaspora, positioning the state as a hub for industry and employment generation.
“The outlook is very good. But sustaining and accelerating that progress requires a dynamic, tested leader who understands governance and is committed to the people,” Ayorinde concluded.
