Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to speak out in defence of true federalism, saying the country’s founding fathers showed foresight by negotiating Nigeria as a federal system that must not be allowed to collapse.
Makinde spoke on Friday at Re-Meritona Hotel, Abakaliki, during a birthday celebration and the public presentation of a book titled The Seyi Makinde Story: A Testament to Vision, Courage and Leadership, written by Ali Odefa.
The governor said he would consider it his greatest 58th birthday gift if Nigerians, particularly those in the South-East, rose to defend true federalism and ensured their voices were heard.
He said the South-East should draw inspiration from the late Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, whose decision to relinquish the All People’s Party (APP) presidential ticket in 1999 helped reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and foster a competitive democratic process ahead of future elections.
Makinde said he joined politics to ensure his voice was heard, stressing that Nigerians could no longer afford to remain indifferent, but must actively participate in politics to demand a truly federal system.
He explained that Nigeria’s diversity in culture and identity informed the decision of the country’s founders to adopt federalism as a means of fostering unity, adding that the system remains the most critical national question confronting the country.
The governor said he would be turning 58 in a few days, noting that it would be a fitting birthday gift if Nigerians resolved to play their part by insisting on true federalism for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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Makinde commended the people of the South-East for the warmth and goodwill extended to him, describing it as evidence that unity across regional lines was achievable, while also acknowledging the presence of representatives of political leaders from the region.
He also praised the Igbo for their historic contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution, citing Chief Ogbonnaya Onu’s role in creating a competitive political environment during the 1999 elections.
According to him, Onu’s sacrifice prevented a one-sided political outcome and ensured that the election was keenly contested, a lesson he said the South-East should apply in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde called on Nigerians, particularly the Igbo, to play a decisive role in nudging the country towards true federalism, stressing that while individuals may have political ambitions, ultimate power rests with God.
He urged citizens to focus on the work ahead in 2026, insisting that collective action and civic responsibility were required to safeguard Nigeria’s future.
In her remarks, Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, said Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru directed her and other top government officials to attend the event in honour of Makinde’s birthday and the book presentation.
She said the book captured the governor’s leadership journey and experiences, adding that Makinde had earned widespread admiration for his performance in governance, particularly in infrastructure, education and healthcare.
Obila described Makinde as one of the governors Nigerians pray for daily, saying the country would be better off if more state chief executives embraced similar leadership values.
She congratulated the Oyo State governor on behalf of the Ebonyi State Government, praising his resilience, experience and impact in public service.
Earlier, the author of the book, Ali Odefa, said the publication was a tribute to Makinde’s vision and courage, describing him as a leader who has redefined governance in Nigeria.
Odefa said the book was written to appreciate and immortalise the governor’s contributions, while also commending Makinde’s wife, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, for her support and commitment to family life.
The event was attended by the wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Mrs Makinde; Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Princess Obila; Enugu State Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; wife of a former Ebonyi State governor, Mrs Eunice Ukamaka Egwu; wife of the author, Chief (Mrs) Onyinyechi Ali Odefa; and the lawmaker representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Abass Adigun (Agboworin), among others.
