According to a report by The Cable Newspaper on Tuesday 28 April, 2026, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, reaffirmed the enduring strength of the State’s institutions as he hosted Peter Obi and other top dignitaries at the Government House in Ibadan.
Makinde made the remark — “Players will come and go, parties will come and go, but our state remains.” — shortly after leading Obi into the Hall of Fame within the Government House.
Inside the historic chamber, the Governor pointed to portraits of past leaders who have governed Oyo State since Nigeria’s return to democracy on May 29, 1999.
He highlighted the tenure of Dr. Lam Adesina, who served from May 29, 1999, to May 28, 2003, under the Alliance for Democracy (AD), followed by Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who governed from May 29, 2003, to May 28, 2007, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite a brief impeachment in 2006 before his reinstatement later that year.
Makinde also referenced Chief Olusegun Christopher Alao-Akala, who held office from May 29, 2007, to May 29, 2011, and Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who served two terms from May 29, 2011, to May 29, 2019, under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), later the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Governor, who assumed office on May 29, 2019, noted the continuity of governance regardless of political shifts.
Following the tour, Obi and other delegates proceeded into a closed-door meeting with Makinde, signaling ongoing political consultations.
Obi’s visit is part of his broader nationwide engagement, as he continues to build alliances and strengthen political relationships across the country.