The Executive Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has noted that the people of Oyo State will continue to look up to the wisdom, experience and leadership of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of the state, Oba Senator Rashidi Ladoja.
The governor stated this on Wednesday, when he paid a visit to the Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan home of the former governor, noting that despite everything the octogenarian had done for the state, he still had a lot of roles to play.
Makinde, while extoling the virtues of Oba Ladoja on behalf of the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, maintained that contrary to speculations that he had issues with Ladoja, he never had differences with the political leader, who played an important role in his [Makinde’s] political history.
He also used the occasion to explain that though he had noticed how some individuals have been accusing him of converting everywhere to a housing estate, some developments have to take place even if they appear to be unpalatable at the moment.
He noted that the decisions being taken are in the best interest of the state, saying, however, that wherever there are challenges, his government remained open to addressing them and finding a lasting solution.
He said: “Some critics have falsely accused us of land-grabbing. I even read somewhere on social media that the way Seyi Makinde is going, he might even convert the Lekan Salami Stadium and even the Secretariat into housing estates.
“Well, there has to be development. But if there must be development, it will follow a certain trajectory. Where there are challenges, I will say it again and again, we will address them.
“It is God that puts one in a position and it is not by one’s power or knowledge. So, this is just an opportunity for me to tell you to engage with us; wherever there are challenges, we can solve the problem together.”