• Says age benchmark dangerous, undemocratic, will diminish Makinde’s legacy

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

Dr Yemi Farounbi, a respected elder statesman and former Nigerian ambassador to the Philippines, has warned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against predetermining his successor through an age benchmark.

Speaking on the “Political Circuit” programme on Fresh FM, Ibadan, Farounbi expressed concern over Makinde’s suggestion that only individuals aged 45 to 55 should succeed him in 2027.

Farounbi called the age benchmark “politically hazardous and morally unfair”, urging Makinde to avoid restricting Oyo State’s democratic process. “Seyi Makinde has done well in the last six years. But he must not destroy his good works by attempting to limit the people’s right to freely choose their next leader,” he said.

He argued that leadership depends on competence, character, and vision, not age. “If Obafemi Awolowo were alive today and contested at the age of 75, would you disqualify him simply because of age? Leadership is not youthful energy alone; it is wisdom, foresight, and service,” Farounbi stated.

Farounbi, a former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), warned that imposing arbitrary criteria could spark internal crises within the ruling party and erode public trust. He advised Makinde to learn from leaders celebrated for both their achievements and democratic exits. “Legacy is not only in roads and buildings. Legacy is also in respect for people’s freedom. Governor Makinde should end well by keeping faith with democracy,” he said.

Despite Makinde clarifying that his age preference was a personal opinion, not a constitutional rule, Farounbi cautioned that a governor’s words carry significant influence. “Words from a governor are not whispers; they are policy signals,” he remarked. “Makinde must avoid giving the impression that succession in Oyo is by anointment, not by ballot.”

Amid speculation that Makinde is positioning a loyal successor for 2027, Farounbi urged him to trust Oyo State’s people to choose wisely, as they did in electing him twice. “The people of Oyo State gave him the mandate twice. He should trust them to decide again in 2027, without pressure, without interference and without invisible hands,” he declared.