Who Did What at Governor Seyi Makinde’s Inauguration

The euphoric feeling at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium was not just overwhelming, it was contagious. Some of those who were already grown up in the 1970s said no event had drawn that much crowd to the stadium since it was commissioned 59 years ago. Some said the only event that came close was the inauguration of Chief Bola Ige in 1979. All available seats were occupied. The field, what used to be the athletic tracks and every other available space was taken up by people from different parts of Oyo State. They came for just one thing, to witness the inauguration of Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde as the Governor of the state.

If the turnout was a yardstick to measure love and acceptability, it may not be wrong to infer that the new Governor is starting with a breathtaking quantity. Not just Oyo State indigenes, the Igbos, the Ebiras all came out in their traditional attires to wish the new governor and his deputy well.

Expectedly, the programme started on a note of prayer. The Chief Imam delegated Sheikh Fatai Alaga, who is more popular as the ‘Alfa Agba of Ibadanland’. Not many non-Muslims know that he is next to the Chief Imam, Sheikh AbdulGanniy Abubakry Agbotomokekere. Pastor Femi Emmanuel of the Livingspring Chapel led the Christian prayers while Mogaji Ifalere Ifagbenro led the traditional iwure.  

Apparently giving an idea of what is to come, the first thing the Governor did was to apologize to VIPs who did not get spaces in the area reserved for them. He apologized on behalf of the committee saddled with the responsibility, for the sitting arrangement flaw and took responsibility. “I will take responsibility for workings of every sector. I will delegate but the buck stops at my table. So, hold me accountable”, he said. Of course, he was applauded. Oyo State citizens have not seen that in their Chief Executive for some years now.  

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji are two monarchs who are no doubt looking forward to a better Oyo State. The Alaafin is the Permanent Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas while the Olubadan is the Governor’s landlord, being the monarch in the state capital. They sat beside each other and when the Governor acknowledged them in his speech, while others in the audience were asking themselves why Governor Makinde mentioned the Olubadan before the Alaafin of Oyo, the monarchs looked each other in the face, smiled and shook hands.

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagungbade, who turned 93 two days before the inauguration, could not attend but Chief Otolorin did a good job of representing him. The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II was represented by High Chief Edobor.

Though they have their matter in court, Ibadan Obas came to the event and they were duly recognized as Obas by the masters of ceremony. Oba Abiodun Daisi, Oba Eddy Oyewole were visible at the inauguration and in the view of many, their presence could be an indication that a damage-limiting resolution to the obaship matter.

Afenifere leaders who are father figures to Governor Makinde were there too. Chiefs Olu Falae and Ayo Adebanjo were accorded all the respect due elder statesmen.

Chief Oyebisi Ilaka and Hon. Kehinde Ayoola sat side by side. Both are proud indigenes of Oyo Town; while Ilaka holds the revered title of Ladilu of Oyo, Ayoola a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly is one of the tremendously suave men Oyo boasts of. In their white agbada, both men looked like royalty.
It was Madam Abigail Makinde's day of glory. The Governor's 80-year-old mum witnessed the answer to one of her prayers as her son was sworn-in as Governor. 

Former Governors at the event had Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo to look up to; he is the oldest living civilian Governor of Oyo State. Governor Alao-Akala too was there; obviously political differences have been put aside for the good of the state. Senator Rashidi Ladoja was conspicuously absent. He usually takes May 29 off since he lost his son, Adebola on May 29, 2014. His wife, Alhaja Mutiat Olayinka however represented him well. Senator Femi Lanlehin’s presence too lent credence to the fact that the alliance might still be very much intact. Former Deputy Governor, Hon. Taofeek Arapaja looked happy. The ordeal he went through during the elections seems to have also made him stronger. He has retained his athletic look over the years too.
Chief Yekini Adeojo came as an Ibadan Chief, a religious and political leader. He was one of the earliest members of the PDP in Oyo State and one of the few who can boast of being able to tell the story of how the party was founded. 

From outside Oyo State, came Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former Governor of Osun State and his brother from Ekiti State, Peter Ayodele Fayose. Chief Olabode George was there with his wife. He was a military Governor of Ondo State in the 1980s.

Incoming members of the House of Assembly looked like powerful but disciplined men in their blue and co outfit. It is already becoming obvious that they are bonding well; they came together in the same bus.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Botswana, Amb. Umar Salisu was there; and there are talks already about Oyo State entering into trade agreements with the Southern African country.

International oil and gas mogul, Dr. Kase Lukman Lawal came all the way from the United States. He came not just to honour a worthy Ibadan brother but also to lend support to Governor Makinde who is also a big player in the oil and gas sector.

The Governor holds a special place in the heart of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola. Though a Christian, Makinde blends so well with Muslims and the Aare is like an adviser to him. Apart from there, they are neighbours in Ibadan. The Aare was there to support and rejoice with the Governor on his day of honour.  

Mrs. Bolanle Sarumi-Aliyu, who contested the governorship election on the platform of the National Interest Party, attended the inauguration as a member of the People’s Democratic Party. For her, it was more of a homecoming; it would be the first big PDP event she is attending since joining the party recently.  The ‘Jagan of the Poor” as she is fondly called came in company of United States based Ms. Ramata Agberemi. Her outfit showed that apart from politics, she is a woman of glamour and style.

The inauguration was yet another chance for Taye Akande Currency, whose son is a member-elect of the House of Assembly to prove his mettle as a Fuji musician of class and sheer brilliance. His philosophical songs threw the entire stadium into frenzy each time he grabbed the microphone.

One of the surprises of the event was the immediate past Commissioner for Health; Dr. Azeez Adeduntan. Few people expected to see him at the inauguration. Some were however aware that the former Commissioner had shared a video online in which he congratulated Governor Makinde. The VIP stand was already filled by the time he arrived. He left shortly after shaking hands with a few journalists.

Dr. Bisi Akin-Alabi was another surprise. Media men at the dinner kept asking whether the delectable woman in a lovely black dress at the dinner was the Special Adviser on Education to Governor Ajimobi or not.

The Chairman of the Transition Committee, Senator Hosea Agboola was all over the place ensuring that all went well. His organizational skills were put to the test at the event.

Students of Bishop Phillips Academy, the Governor’s alma mater put up a superlative cultural display to honour a worthy old student.

Alhaja Iswat Ameringun, the Iyaloja of Ibadanland too led market women to the inauguration venue.

The well attended dinner at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, had Evangelist Ebenezer Obey on the bandstand, dishing out tunes for the matured mind. Ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka I and Wooli Arole too were on hand to make sure there was no dull moment. 

Alhaja Bose Adedibu came. Politicians in the state and beyond agree she is doing a good job of holding the fort in the absence of her husband, the Strongman of Ibadan Politics, High Chief Lamidi Adedibu.

Chief (Mrs.) Tina Ogundoyin looked as glamourous as ever. These days, she gets accorded much more respect. Her son, Debo is being tipped as the “incoming speaker”.