The President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, has declared that the people of Ibadan are ready to follow Governor Seyi Makinde wherever he leads.
In an interview with The People’s Verdict, Ajewole described Governor Makinde as an icon and a pride of the Ibadan people. He stated:
“Seyi Makinde is a pride of Ibadan people. He is a holder of one of the highest awards of CCII. He got the award in 2017 when he was not yet the governor. So, he is well respected. He has been an icon to sons and daughters of Ibadan even before he became governor. That is why Ibadan people will be willing to follow him anywhere. I am very sure of that; he has more than 90 per cent support of Ibadan people.”
Ajewole further cited the governor’s popularity, recalling that:
“During the last election, he got 72 per cent of the popular vote from Ibadan. So, he is well appreciated and he will continue to be appreciated because he is doing good work, not only for Ibadanland but the whole of Oyo State. We love him, we respect him.”
The CCII President General also praised Governor Makinde’s achievements in infrastructure and workers’ welfare. He mentioned the revival of the long-abandoned Ibadan Circular Road project, which had been neglected since 2007 but has been resuscitated by the current administration.
He emphasized that Makinde’s infrastructural developments are not limited to Ibadan alone, noting that all parts of the state have benefited from road construction and rehabilitation projects.
Ajewole also commended the governor's strides in agriculture, particularly the transformation of Fasola Farm Estate into Fasola Industrial Hub.
He said:
“He made sure that the issue with NURTW (National Union of Road Transport Workers), which was a major problem he inherited from his predecessor, was resolved. He always ensures that if there is a problem coming, there will be an answer immediately.”
On the issue of the Olubadan Palace, Chief Ajewole shared a personal experience:
“When I came into office, we had a palace that had been abandoned for over seven years. When I went to see him, I had three requests. The first was that we wanted to complete the Olubadan Palace. To the surprise of the four of us that were there, he said, ‘My President General, this is possible and it will be done. The Olubadan Palace belongs to 11 local governments in Ibadan, so they will contribute to its building and I, as a person, not Oyo State Government, will donate N250 million.’ The four of us were surprised.”
He concluded by stating:
“This is someone I, in person, and the whole of Ibadan—I am speaking on behalf of the whole of Ibadan—have a lot of respect and regard for. Even our elders see him as God-sent. To the best of my knowledge, Governor Seyi Makinde is a God-sent and a blessing to Ibadan and Oyo State.”
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