The Baale of Ekotedo, Elder (Dr.) Taiye Ayorinde, has stated that Oyo State workers and pensioners will not hesitate to stone anyone who speaks ill of the state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde.
Speaking in an interview with The People’s Verdict, the nonagenarian community leader said:
“While the opposition members may see Makinde as a burden, to the people of Oyo State, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde is a blessing. Go and ask the teachers, go and ask the pensioners. They will tell you, ‘Don’t say nonsense in our presence.’ They can stone you if you say Makinde is not a blessing. The teachers will club you if you say Makinde is not a blessing.”
Elder Ayorinde described Governor Makinde as a "willing performer," highlighting his accomplishments in infrastructure, tourism, agribusiness, and health. According to him, the governor has exceeded expectations.
He further praised the governor’s innovative thinking, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic:
“During the time of COVID-19 when people were dying, the governor set up a committee to look into COVID-19 with a view to getting an alternative remedy in Oyo State. I happen to be one of the committee members. And we were able to come up with genuine working medicines. How many governors did that?”
Speaking on infrastructure and other sectors, Ayorinde added:
“When it comes to infrastructure development, he knows his onions. Look also at what he is doing with tourism and the health sectors.”
The respected community leader also commended Makinde's interventions in agriculture and agribusiness, citing the visit of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio to the Fasola Industrial Hub as proof of the governor's achievements.
On security, he said:
“He has bought cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc. for the Amotekun Corps and the police. I rate Governor ‘Seyi Makinde highly. Do I give a percentage or do I just say he is doing well? He could do better, but I think he has gone beyond 75 per cent.”
Concluding, Elder Ayorinde described the governor as:
“...a workaholic, an independent thinker. He knows his onions, he knows what he wants to do. If you want to deviate him from what he wants to do, he will run away from you.”