We read Ayo Fayose’s recent comments on Governor Seyi Makinde’s visit to Mr President with a mix of curiosity and mild amusement. Not because the issues raised were profound, but because the intervention felt like a familiar tale: that of a man running frantically despite no one chasing him.
History, when consulted honestly, has a way of putting public conduct in perspective. Ayo Fayose is not new to power or privilege. He served two terms as Governor of Ekiti State, with his first tenure commencing on May 29, 2003. One would expect that such experience would come with a sense of restraint, reflection, and statesmanship. Sadly, what we often see today suggests otherwise.
It is therefore not surprising that his recent outburst appears less like principled opposition and more like a displaced voice searching for relevance. At what point did he assume the role of unofficial spokesperson, either for the Presidency or the ruling party? Or is this yet another unsolicited service, rendered pro bono, without any formal assignment?
For a man once known for populist politics and the rhetoric of “stomach infrastructure,” the desperation for attention at this stage raises important questions. Political engagement should be driven by ideas, values, and the public good not by noise, exaggeration, or a constant need to stay in the headlines.
The substance of his comments offers little beyond repetition and misplaced assumptions. Any fair observer can see that the visit of a sitting Governor to a sitting President is neither unusual nor suspicious. It is, in fact, a normal feature of governance especially when issues of national interest and state development are involved.
Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently demonstrated maturity in leadership. His politics is not driven by bitterness, grudges, or needless antagonism. Instead, he embraces dialogue, cooperation, and bipartisan engagement as tools for delivering good governance to the people of Oyo State.
Nation-building requires bridges, not barricades. It requires leaders who understand that governance transcends party lines and personal ego. Governor Makinde’s engagement across political divides reflects confidence, not weakness not betrayal.
In the end, while some may continue to run without being chased, others remain focused on the real work: building states, strengthening institutions, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s collective progress.
