Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has voiced his disappointment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the rejection of the Oyo indigene he nominated for a ministerial appointment.
In a media briefing on Tuesday, Makinde explained that he had put forward a highly qualified candidate from Oyo State for the position after the President specifically requested that an indigene be considered.
“When the President asked me to nominate someone who could be appointed as a minister, I inquired about the specific role. He said they were looking for developmental economists for the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. I submitted the best candidate from Oyo State, but he was not selected. Instead, the current minister of power was appointed to that role,” Makinde said.
The governor added that the President later raised the issue during a meeting regarding the upgrade of Ibadan Airport.
“During that meeting, the President mentioned my concern about the ministerial nomination. I told him that in Yoruba culture, it’s easier to abort a pregnancy than to kill a baby. We can only suggest suitable candidates, but ultimately, the President decides who joins his cabinet,” Makinde noted.
Makinde, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had publicly supported Tinubu during the 2023 elections, despite being from a different political party.
Reflecting on that decision, he admitted regret over his support, saying, “I thought he would do what was right for the country, but unfortunately, that has not been the case. I regret my support for the President in 2023, and yes, I do acknowledge that.”
