Governor Makinde Remembers Father's Steadfast Counsel at 14th Memorial

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, offered heartfelt homage to his late father, Pa Olatunbosun Makinde, on Sunday, marking the 14th anniversary of his passing. The governor characterized his father as a reliable advisor whose honesty, wisdom, and firm guidance continue to shape his personal life and leadership approach even years after his demise. Governor Makinde shared these sentiments during the memorial service held in his father's honour at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, where he reflected on the lasting impact of the family patriarch and the void his absence created.

Speaking to journalists following the service, Makinde expressed his profound and ongoing grief over his father's loss, describing him as both a mentor and a close confidant. “My father was my friend, and when he passed away, I lost a close companion. What I miss most is that he was the only person who could look me in the eyes and tell me the truth, even when I did not want to hear it,” the governor stated.

In his sermon, the Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, paid tribute to the late Pa Olatunbosun Makinde, recalling him as a devout Christian who dedicated his existence to serving God, the Church, and his wider community. The cleric noted that Pa Makinde remained a loyal member of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, throughout his life, and encouraged all Christians to follow his exemplary path of faith, humility, and service. Bishop Aladekugbe also extended congratulations to Governor Makinde for the recent successful rescue of abducted teachers and students from Oriire Local Government Area. He lauded the peaceful environment that has prevailed in the state under the Makinde administration over the past seven years, emphasizing that the governor's political destiny ultimately rests in divine hands.

Earlier in the day, Governor Makinde laid wreaths at the gravesites of both his late father and his mother, Madam Abigail Makinde. His mother had passed away on October 15, 2020, at the age of 81, and was interred on December 5, 2020. Accompanying the governor were his elder brother, Barrister Muyiwa Makinde; Williams Akin-Funmilayo, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development; Segun Olayiwola, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology; Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Commissioner for Health; Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration; Bishop Ademola Morakinyo, the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian Wing); Pastor Layi Adisa, Government House Chaplain; Rev. Femi Ibikunle, the Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs; Peter Eledan; alongside other government officials and family members.