Balogun Seye Famojuro, a key ally of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has described the governor as “not a product of establishment, but a product of grace.” Famojuro made the statement while appreciating supporters and the people of Oyo State during a gathering at his birthday celebration on Saturday.
He highlighted Makinde’s rise from a modest background without godfather influence or backroom deals, crediting his success in business, politics, and governance; including his 2019 election victory, re-election, and people-focused achievements in infrastructure, education, health, and job creations, to divine favor, grit and the personal love from people, rather than political patronage. Famojuro emphasized that this independence enabled by the absence of godfathers, has brought about a transparent and impactful leadership that prioritizes public good over private obligations, serving as inspiration for Oyo State and Nigeria.
Makinde entered politics without privilege or godfather backing. His journey started with a failed 2007 senatorial bid and further setbacks. In 2015, he contested for governor on the PDP but faced sabotage and defected to the SDP, finishing a strong third with over 50,000 votes.
He later returned to the PDP, focused on Oyo’s progress. In 2018, he stunned expectations by winning the primaries with 2,772 votes, then decisively claimed the governorship in March 2019 with over 515,000 votes, overcoming the ruling establishment.
The absence of a godfather wasn’t a footnote, it was the breakthrough. It freed Seyi Makinde to govern without strings: no cut of contracts, no forced appointments, no brakes on bold choices. That liberty let him pour state resources directly into the people; roads to forgotten villages, schools for every child, hospitals that heal, jobs, farms, and small businesses that restore hope and dignity.
Unshackled from transactional politics, he has touched countless lives, lifted up countless young folks with mentorship and elevated them politically, and today, history has absolved him.
