Makinde Criticises Tinubu Administration, Praises Osinbajo’s Leadership Style

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying it has become increasingly difficult to “speak truth to power” under the current government.

Makinde made the remarks over the weekend during the 60th birthday celebration of the Oyo State President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Samson Anetomobi. He contrasted the current administration with the consultative leadership style of the late President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, whose approach he said he deeply misses.

“You cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation,” Makinde said, citing the handling of the recent tax reform bills as an example. He added that governors were left in the dark regarding the details of the legislation passed by the National Assembly and signed into law.

Makinde also recalled Osinbajo’s pivotal role as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it influenced his decision not to impose a full lockdown in Oyo State. “For Oyo State people, why I did not lock down during COVID was because of his decision,” he said.

Reflecting on the current state of governance, Makinde expressed regret over Osinbajo’s exit from office, lamenting the lack of clarity and consultative engagement under the Tinubu administration. “Sir, I personally miss you in that position. A lot of people may not know why things are not really the same,” he stated.