Makinde Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Father 14 Years After His Passing

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Sunday paid glowing tribute to his late father, Pa Olatunbosun Makinde, describing him as a trusted adviser whose honesty, wisdom and unwavering counsel continue to shape his life and leadership 14 years after his death.

The governor spoke at the 14th memorial service held in honour of his father at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, where he reflected on the enduring influence of the late patriarch and the vacuum his passing created.

Addressing journalists after the service, Makinde said he still deeply misses his father, whom he described as both a mentor and a close friend.

“My father was my friend, and when he passed away, I lost a close companion. What I miss most is that he was the only person who could look me in the eyes and tell me the truth, even when I did not want to hear it,” the governor said.

The Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, the Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, described the late Pa Olatunbosun Makinde as a devoted Christian who dedicated his life to serving God, the Church and his community.

The cleric said the late Makinde remained a committed member of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, throughout his lifetime and urged Christians to emulate his exemplary life of faith, humility and service.

Aladekugbe also congratulated Governor Makinde on the recent rescue of abducted teachers and pupils from Oriire Local Government Area.

He commended the peaceful atmosphere that has characterised the state over the past seven years under the Makinde administration, adding that the governor’s political future ultimately rests in God’s hands.

Earlier, the governor laid wreaths at the graves of his late father and his mother, Madam Abigail Makinde, who died on October 15, 2020, at the age of 81 and was buried on December 5, 2020.

He was accompanied by his elder brother, Barrister Muyiwa Makinde; the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo; the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola; the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe; the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian Wing), Bishop Ademola Morakinyo; Government House Chaplain, Pastor Layi Adisa; the Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs, Rev. Femi Ibikunle; Peter Eledan; and other government officials and family members.