Leaders and stakeholders of various Igbo communities in Oyo State on Saturday held a press conference in Ibadan where they commended Governor Seyi Makinde for what they described as transformational leadership, inclusive governance, and remarkable infrastructural development across the state.
The press briefing was held at the Solid Minerals Development Agency, located behind the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.
Notable Igbo stakeholders at the press conference include John Idoko (Enugu State), Ogochukwu Ogbonna (Ebonyi State), Barrister Ndo Ofurunna from Imo (resident of Ibadan), Ukachi Clement from Imo (resident of Oyo Town), Valentine Chukwu (Anambra), and Kingly Ike (Abia).
The event was facilitated by Hon. Rita Orji, former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State and a known ally of Governor Makinde.
Addressing journalists, the Igbo leaders praised Governor Makinde for maintaining peace, strengthening security, expanding infrastructure, improving road networks, and creating an enabling environment for businesses and residents in Oyo State.
They noted that members of the Igbo communities across Ibadan, Oyo Town, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, and other parts of the state have continued to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere for trade and investments under the Makinde administration.
According to the stakeholders, Governor Makinde has demonstrated fairness, competence, and political maturity in the management of the state, adding that his achievements have endeared him to many non-indigenes residing in Oyo State.
The group pledged their continued loyalty and political support to Governor Makinde and declared that they would also support whoever he nominates as his successor in the 2027 governorship race.
“We stand solidly with Governor Seyi Makinde because of his outstanding performance and commitment to the development of Oyo State,” one of the speakers said.
“As communities that live and do business here, we appreciate his leadership and we are ready to support whoever he endorses to continue his good works.”
They added that continuity of purposeful governance remains important for the growth and stability of the state.
On recent comments linked to former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, the stakeholders said political actors from outside Oyo State should avoid statements capable of distracting the government or creating unnecessary tension in the state.
“We advise Fayose and others to respect the political atmosphere in Oyo State and allow Governor Makinde to continue the good work he is doing for the people,” the group stated.
They maintained that Oyo State has remained peaceful and progressive because the current administration is focused on governance rather than political drama, adding that residents would reject any attempt to import needless controversies into the state.
“Those seeking relevance through unnecessary comments should know that Oyo people are wiser and more interested in development than political noise,” another speaker added.
The stakeholders further urged leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party to promote unity and avoid actions or utterances that could create divisions ahead of future elections.
They attested that the people of Oyo State remain united behind progress, peace, and responsible leadership, insisting that no external interference would derail the steady advancement being witnessed under Governor Makinde’s administration.
PRESS CONFERENCE SPEECH BY THE ASSOCIATION OF IGBO RESIDENTS IN IBADAN AND SUPPORTERS OF GOVERNOR SEYI MAKINDE
Saturday, 18th April, 2026
Gentlemen of the press, distinguished guests, community leaders, party faithful, and the good people of Oyo State, we welcome you to this important press conference convened to address recent political developments and provocative statements capable of disturbing the peace and progress of Oyo State.
We speak today as the Association of Igbo residents in Ibadan and as committed supporters of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, a government that has continued to demonstrate purposeful leadership, inclusiveness, and genuine commitment to development.
We have watched with concern the recent comments and activities allegedly linked to former Ayo Fayose, which appear designed to create unnecessary tension in Oyo State and distract the present administration from its developmental agenda.
It is deeply unfortunate that an individual with no constitutional responsibility in Oyo State has chosen to interfere in matters that do not concern him, while attempting to import political quarrels from outside the state into our peaceful environment.
We are particularly disturbed by allegations that he is working in alliance with Nyesom Wike and others to destabilise Oyo State and undermine Governor Makinde through controversies surrounding the revered Olubadan Stool.
Let it be made clear that the Olubadan institution is sacred, respected, and central to the identity of Ibadanland. It must never be dragged into partisan politics or used as a tool for selfish ambitions.
We therefore condemn any attempt by any political actor, no matter how highly placed, to exploit traditional institutions in pursuit of personal relevance or political revenge.
We also find it ironic that individuals whose public records remain controversial now seek to present themselves as defenders of democracy, morality, and good governance.
Nigerians have not forgotten the many allegations, disputes, and controversies that trailed Fayose’s years in office in Ekiti State. Such a record does not confer moral authority to lecture others or interfere in a state that is progressing steadily.
Rather than meddling in Oyo affairs, those with unresolved political baggage should focus on rebuilding their credibility and restoring trust where they come from.
We wish to state categorically that Governor Seyi Makinde has earned the confidence of the people of Oyo State through visible projects, transparent leadership, and people-oriented governance.
Across roads, schools, healthcare delivery, agriculture, investment climate, and worker welfare, this administration has shown seriousness of purpose and a commitment to sustainable progress.
Under Governor Makinde, Oyo State has also enjoyed relative peace, religious harmony, and ethnic inclusion, making the state a model of coexistence for all Nigerians, including the large Igbo community resident here.
As law-abiding residents and stakeholders in the prosperity of this state, we will not fold our arms and watch external forces sow division where unity has been carefully nurtured.
We therefore urge all citizens of Oyo State to remain calm, vigilant, and focused on the bigger picture of development, refusing to be distracted by noise, propaganda, or politically motivated rumours.
We also call on leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party to prevail on members whose reckless utterances are capable of deepening internal tensions and weakening the party ahead of future political engagements.
Politics should be about ideas, service, and progress not blackmail, manufactured crises, or attempts to hijack functioning institutions for selfish ends.
We equally appeal to all traditional and political leaders in Oyo State to continue to protect the peace of the state and reject any outsider seeking to manipulate our internal affairs for personal gain.
Let it be known that the people of Ibadan and the wider Oyo State are politically conscious, peace-loving, and development-driven.
Attempts to import political battles from other states will fail because our people can clearly distinguish performance from propaganda.
In conclusion, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Governor Seyi Makinde and his administration.
We stand for peace, unity, and progress. Oyo State belongs to its people, and no amount of political mischief will derail the journey toward greater prosperity.
Thank you. God bless Oyo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
