Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State @50 Anniversary Planning Committee, asserting that the state’s five-decade journey and achievements merit a grand celebration.

This was contained in a statement signed by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor.

It reads: “Let me first of all welcome the members of the committee to be inaugurated and also to recognise the fact that all the arms of the Government of Oyo State are here, the Executive, the Legislative and also the Judiciary. So, even though Oyo State at 50 is going to be led by the Executive, this celebration is for all of us.

“Fifty years is a major milestone, whether it is in the life of an individual, a state or an institution. When you get to 50, you shouldn’t misbehave. So, I believe that it calls for celebration and we want to encourage the committee to please, even in the face of challenges that we are faced with as a nation, roll out the drums. Let us celebrate the major milestone of our state.

“From the composition, you will see that there is no PDP or APC. We don’t do that here in Oyo State. Look at the chairman of this committee, we fought in 2019 and we defeated him then, but when we want to do anything for the state, wherever we can get people that can help, we will go for them, whether they are in APC, PDP or whatever. People can be in any political party. Parties will come and go but our state will remain. So, that is the point that we always want to prove in Oyo State. We go for the best in Oyo State. That is our state for you.”

“The most important thing is that we want to recognise past leaders, people that have made sacrifices for this state. And, we also want to scan the horizon; wherever we have seen state leaders that have made the state proud, please, search for them and bring them up for recognition. So, please, it’s important. We want to showcase what the state has been able to achieve in 50 years, and we also want to say thank you to the people that made it happen.”

Governor Makinde inaugurated an 11-member committee, chaired by former House of Representatives member Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, with former Oyo State Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola, as Deputy Chairman, and Mrs Ronke Adedayo as Secretary. Other members include Dr Z.O Ajuwon (OON), Mr Mustapha Rasaq Areo, Alhaja Fatimah Ololade Azeez, Mr S.A Adejumo, Pastor John Olasunkanmi Alabi, Alhaji Gafar Bello, Compol Fatai Owoseni (rtd), and Mr Samuel Adegboyega Badejo.

Speaking at the inauguration in the Executive Council Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the Governor emphasised that the anniversary aims to highlight Oyo State’s achievements across sectors, while acknowledging those who contributed to its growth. Committee members were tasked to reach out to former governors, public servants, and notable contributors, as well as their surviving families, to recognise and reward their service to the state.

Governor Makinde further stressed that the celebration would transcend political affiliations, adding that appointments for the committee were based on merit and capacity to serve the state, not party loyalty. He praised the Deputy Chairman for her continued dedication, stating that retired officials can still serve effectively when called upon.

Dignitaries at the event included the Wife of a former Governor, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; former deputy governors Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Deputy Speaker Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice M.O Olagunju; Secretary to the State Government Prof Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; and Head of Service Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni. Commissioners, senior aides, and chairmen of the Oyo State Elders’ Council and Local Government Chairmen were also present.