Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it has become increasingly difficult to “speak truth to power” under the current government.
Makinde made the remarks on Saturday at a public event in Ibadan, where he contrasted the present situation with what he described as a more consultative leadership style during the tenure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, whose leadership style Makinde said he deeply missed.
“You cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation,” the governor said, faulting the Tinubu administration’s handling of the ongoing tax reform bills.
Makinde recalled how state governors had raised concerns over the bills and asked for broader consultation, but were allegedly ignored.
“We had a similar situation in this dispensation with the tax bill, and we said, ‘Bring the tax bill back and let us all look at it dispassionately,’” he said.
“They said the tax bill would go ahead. It is an affront that governors are even saying what the presidency has done in sending the tax bill to the National Assembly. We don’t know what was passed, and we don’t know what was eventually signed,” Makinde added.
Turning to Osinbajo, the governor said, “When I say I miss you, I miss you so much, sir.”
Makinde also credited Osinbajo’s leadership as chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) for influencing his decision not to impose a total lockdown in Oyo State during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recalling the early days of his first term, Makinde said the NEC meeting held in February 2020 was pivotal.
“I was barely seven months into office, and that was my first public service job. We had a national crisis with COVID-19,” he said.
“At the NEC meeting, there was intense debate. Some colleagues came in saying all states should lock down completely. But the chairman, Professor Osinbajo, listened and weighed the arguments,” he explained.
Makinde said that approach shaped his decision-making at the time.
“For the people of Oyo State, the reason we did not have a total lockdown during COVID was because of that leadership,” he said.
Addressing Osinbajo directly, Makinde added, “Sir, I personally miss you in that position. Many people may not know why things are no longer the same. This is not a political statement—I am not speaking from a political podium.”
