The true identity of Ibadan stands far above cheap political rhetoric, rootless attacks, and sponsored press statements. When Diran Odeyemi opened his mouth to claim that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has no home or confidence in his own birthplace, he showed total ignorance of the city’s rich heritage.
Look closely at the face of Late Pa Olatubosun Makinde, the proud father of our star boy GSM, hailing directly from Ile Aigbofa, Oja-Oba, Ward 1, Ibadan South East. That bold, prominent mark on his face is Gombo—the sacred tribal mark of Ibadan warriors. It is not a mark of slaves. It is the honorable mark of Balogun, Otun, and Osi, the true ancestral owners of the land.
Pa Olatubosun Makinde represented the finest qualities of an Ibadan patriarch and leader. He was a respected teacher trained at St. Luke’s Demo, Molete, and a brilliant scholar who conquered UK examinations by correspondence. His professional brilliance led him into high finance as a top banker who passed his AIB exams and served with distinction at WEMA Bank. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a devout Christian who faithfully served as Church Warden for seven years, standing as a true Ibadan man with Gombo on his face and courage in his blood.
Lineage and Heritage of Seyi Makinde in Oyo State
The father of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was a man of high repute and massive achievement:
- A respected Teacher trained at St. Luke’s Demo, Molete
- A brilliant Scholar who conquered UK exams by correspondence
- A top Banker who passed AIB and worked in WEMA Bank
- A devout Christian who served as Church Warden for 7 years
- A true Ibadan man with Gombo on his face and courage in his blood
Yet, Diran Odeyemi dares to question the roots of a leader whose family lineage is deeply tied to the ancient soils of Oyo State. Seyi Makinde is Ibadan to the bone marrow! His father carried Gombo. His ancestral compound is Oja-Oba, the very beating heart of Ibadan. His blood is warrior blood.
Why Seyi Makinde Represents Ibadan Across Nigeria
Critics like Diran Odeyemi love to quote ancient proverbs, saying charity begins at home—Ile la ti ko eso rode. Yes! That is precisely why Seyi Makinde’s charity started from Ile Aigbofa and has spread across the entire Southwest region.
That is why his Zonal Town Hall meeting can be held comfortably in Akure, in Osun, in Ekiti, or in Lagos, KO KAN AIYE E! It remains his zone.
Consider the glaring contradiction in political logic being pushed by critics today. When President Bola Tinubu launched his nationwide campaign from Kaduna despite his Lagos origin base, the political establishment accepted it as normal strategic outreach. Yet when Seyi Makinde extends his Ibadan base to host regional engagements in Akure, critics hypocritically question his motives. By your own backward logic, Diran Odeyemi, what then should we call Tinubu?
Exposing Sponsored Attacks on Ibadan Leadership
The plain truth is that Diran Odeyemi is not speaking for himself. Your boss, Nyesom Wike, is the person pushing you to attack GSM simply because GSM refused to kneel down and worship him. Seyi Makinde will be President by God’s grace, no matter how many desperate press statements you publish in the media.
Diran Odeyemi, it is time to stop this weak, sponsored attack against an illustrious son of the soil. The good people of Ibadan know their true son. All of Nigeria recognizes a successful, performing Oyo State Governor.
Oyo State is Seyi Makinde. Seyi Makinde is Ibadan.
*Dare Adeleke sent in the article.
