….Describes Him as a Rare, Peace-Loving Administrator
A veteran broadcaster and media consultant, Chief Bamiji Ojo, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for what he described as his peace-driven leadership, infrastructural achievements, and independent political style that have brought stability and progress to the state.
Ojo, who spoke in an exclusive interview, said Governor Makinde stands out among past leaders of the state for his disciplined approach to governance and resistance to political godfatherism.
“Governor Makinde is a very organized leader. He is not the kind of person who allows godfatherism to control him, and that’s a rare quality in politics today,” he said.
According to the retired Director of Programmes at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Makinde’s leadership style has restored peace to areas previously plagued by violence and unrest, especially within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
“If you look around Ibadan today, you will notice the difference. There’s relative peace everywhere compared to what we used to have years ago. Places like Agodi Gate, Ojo, and Sango that were once dangerous have become calm. The governor has restructured the NURTW system, and peace now reigns in those areas. He is truly on top of the system,” Ojo said.
Speaking further, theMajeobaje of Ibadanland praised the governor’s efforts in the area of road infrastructure, saying that the smooth network across Ibadan and other parts of the state has improved the economy and eased mobility for residents.
“On road infrastructure, Governor Makinde has performed remarkably well. He inherited some projects but improved upon them. If you drive from Molete to the University of Ibadan now, you’ll see the transformation — smooth roads, functioning traffic lights, and better traffic control. He has his own roadmap for development, and I will honestly rate him above average,” he added.
The veteran journalist also lauded the ongoing upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola Airport into an international airport, describing it as a legacy project that will open new economic frontiers for the state.
“The airport upgrade is one of his greatest achievements. It will boost trade, tourism, and investment.
“That alone will make him remembered for a long time,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 governorship election, the former broadcaster called for a rotation of power among the different zones of the state to foster inclusivity and unity.
“Since the creation of Oyo State, most of our governors have come from Ibadan. I would personally love to see power shift to Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, or other zones.
“Rotation of leadership will give every part of Oyo State a sense of belonging,” he concluded.
Mr. Bamiji Ojo, who retired from BCOS in 1994 after 35 years of service and now works as a private broadcast consultant, described Governor Makinde as “a peace-loving leader whose governance style combines humility with vision.”
He said Makinde’s performance in infrastructure, peacekeeping, and governance has set a new benchmark for leadership in Oyo State, urging residents to support his remaining years in office for greater development.
