Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he has no political godfather, insisting that his emergence as governor and his performance in office are the result of divine providence rather than political patronage.

Makinde made the declaration on Sunday at a thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State.

Reflecting on his political journey, the governor said his election in 2019, after eight years of repeated attempts, was divinely ordained. He noted that being the eighth civilian governor of the state symbolised a “new beginning” for Oyo State.

“When I became the governor of this state in 2019, I was the eighth civilian governor, and the significance of eight in the Bible depicts a new beginning. So, the journey has been a new beginning for Oyo State. I didn’t plan it,” Makinde said.

The governor stressed that seeking support during elections does not equate to having a political godfather.

“I am not ashamed to say that I don’t have a godfather. I only have God the Father. Some people said I came to them to ask for support to be elected. Yes, you go somewhere to seek support. Does that make the person your godfather?” he asked.

Makinde said his administration would continue to govern in line with what he described as God’s will, adding that Oyo State’s 50th anniversary was a testimony of divine grace.

The thanksgiving service formed part of a week-long programme to celebrate the state’s golden jubilee, which commenced on January 26 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The celebrations include religious services, cultural exhibitions, awards and dinner nights, as well as a public lecture themed, “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future.”

In what appeared to be a subtle reference to succession planning, Makinde urged residents to remain focused on progress and continuity rather than returning to old practices.

“God has brought a particular governor at a particular time to signify a new beginning for the state. We should not go back to where we were coming from,” he said. “It is only Seyi Makinde who will go out; the members of the team are there to continue to work for the people of the state.”

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in his goodwill message, praised Makinde’s leadership and described Oyo State as a model of good governance.

“Nigeria is not a poor country, but a poorly governed one. What Makinde is doing in Oyo State is a model for good governance,” Obi said.

Earlier, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, commended the present and past administrations in the state, citing infrastructure development, improved welfare for workers and pensioners, and peaceful coexistence as indicators of people-focused leadership.

Special prayers were offered for Governor Makinde, past leaders of the state and the emergence of a competent successor to sustain development.

Dignitaries at the service included the governor’s wife, Tamunominini Makinde; Osun State First Lady, Titilola Adeleke; former Oyo First Lady, Mutiat Ladoja; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; and other top government officials.