An Open Letter to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State
Your Excellency,
I write at this important moment to reaffirm my unflinching personal loyalty and respect for you as the Executive Governor of Oyo State. My support for your leadership has never been driven by personal gain or expectations of reward. Indeed, I have not benefited personally from you, your elected chairmen, or your appointees. Rather, my commitment has always been motivated by my deep concern for the progress, stability, and development of our dear state, Oyo State.
Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my contributions and support for the growth of our great party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and for the stability of governance in the state under your leadership.
For instance, during your first gubernatorial campaign in 2018/2019, I personally donated a campaign bus in support of your emergence as governor. During your second campaign in 2022/2023, I also facilitated the branding of three campaign vehicles to further support your re-election bid. In addition, during the 2024 Local Government elections, I extended similar support to all elected officials in Lagelu Local Government Area, including every councillor.
These efforts were undertaken not for personal recognition, but out of a sincere belief in your vision of leadership and in the continued progress of Oyo State.
However, it is also important for me to reflect honestly on the journey so far. Despite these sacrifices and contributions, I have not enjoyed any meaningful recognition or the dividends that often follow such sustained commitment.
From earlier engagements during the period when Chief Bisi Ilaka served as Chief of Staff, to subsequent political discussions surrounding my aspiration for the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, a political project I began as far back as 2008, the support I had hoped for did not materialize.
I also made sincere appeals for the immortalization of my late father’s name in recognition of his sacrifices and contributions to the party and the people of Oyo State. It should be recalled that my father suffered greatly for his political convictions during the turbulent political era of the early 2000s. Unfortunately, my requests that his name be recognized, including during the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, were not accommodated.
As I reflect on the journey of our politics, I am constantly reminded that leadership and loyalty are built on sacrifice. My late father, Olusegun Moses Akintola Oladimeji, paid a heavy price in the service of the people.
While serving as the Oyo State Party Chairman in the early years of our democratic struggle, he was publicly attacked and stripped naked by thugs at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, around 2001/2002 simply because he stood firmly for the party and the principles he believed in. Years later, on 14 September 2007, he was brutally assassinated in his constituency office at Ejioku in Lagelu Local Government Area while serving the people as a Member of the Federal House of Representatives.
These painful sacrifices remind us that politics must never forget those who paid dearly to build its foundation.
As his biological son and one who also had the privilege of serving as his Legislative Assistant in the National Assembly, Abuja, I remain guided by those memories. Despite the disappointments and setbacks along the way, I continue to choose the path of loyalty, patience, and faith in God, believing firmly that history and the people will always remember those who served with sincerity, courage, and sacrifice.
Your Excellency, I remain committed to the ideals of loyalty, service, and the progress of Oyo State.
Yours respectfully,
Chief Olayinka Segelu Akintola Oladimeji
Aare Akinrogun of Igbo Elerinland
Asiwaju Ilu of Olosunde Village and Environs.
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