Fourteen years after the death of his father, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has opened up about the personal loss he continues to feel, recalling the unique role the late Pa Olatunbosun Makinde played in his life.
Makinde spoke on Sunday during the 14th memorial service held in honour of his father at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.
The Governor described his late father as more than a parent, saying he was also his mentor, close companion and trusted adviser whose honesty and counsel continued to influence his life and leadership.
Speaking with journalists after the service, Makinde said the loss of his father had left a void that remained difficult to fill.
“My father was my friend, and when he passed away, I lost a close companion. What I miss most is that he was the only person who could look me in the eyes and tell me the truth, even when I did not want to hear it,” the Governor said.
During the service, the Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, the Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, described the late Pa Olatunbosun Makinde as a committed Christian who dedicated his life to God, the Church and his community.
The cleric said Pa Makinde remained a devoted member of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, throughout his lifetime, urging Christians to follow his example of faith, humility and service.
Aladekugbe also congratulated Governor Makinde on the recent rescue of teachers and pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area.
He commended the peaceful atmosphere maintained in Oyo State over the past seven years under the Makinde administration, while noting that the Governor’s political future remained in God’s hands.
Earlier, Governor Makinde laid wreaths at the graves of his late father and mother, Madam Abigail Makinde.
His mother died on October 15, 2020, at the age of 81, and was buried on December 5, 2020.
The Governor was accompanied by his elder brother, Barrister Muyiwa Makinde; the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo; the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe; the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian Wing), Bishop Ademola Morakinyo; Government House Chaplain, Pastor Layi Adisa; the Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs, Rev. Femi Ibikunle; Peter Eledan; other government officials and family members.
