Makinde Dismisses Fayose’s Claim of Political Meeting With Tinubu
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has dismissed claims by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, that his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu was tense and politically confrontational.
Fayose had alleged that the Oyo State governor was reprimanded by President Tinubu during a visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, over political disagreements, including Makinde’s relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Reacting shortly after the meeting, Governor Makinde clarified that the engagement with the President was held at Tinubu’s request and focused strictly on pressing governance matters affecting Oyo State.
In a statement, Makinde said: “Earlier today, at the President’s request, I met with him to discuss urgent governance issues, because leadership sometimes requires direct, high-level intervention in the interest of Oyo State.”
He described the meeting as part of the responsibility and privilege of serving the state at critical moments, firmly contradicting Fayose’s portrayal of a hostile or politically charged encounter.
Fayose had claimed that President Tinubu refused to engage in political discussions, accused Makinde of duplicity in his public and private positions, and made it clear that he neither expected Makinde’s support in 2027 nor intended to abandon Wike, whom he reportedly described as a loyal ally.
However, Makinde’s camp maintained that the meeting was neither confrontational nor political, stressing that the governor’s visit was solely aimed at advancing the developmental interests of Oyo State.
Speaking further to journalists after the meeting, Makinde reiterated that he remained comfortable in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a position political observers say reinforces his assertion that there was no defection agenda linked to the Villa visit.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
