Culture Meets Leadership: Gov Seyi Makinde, Wife Receive Special Ibarapa Royal Titles

 

The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, and his wife, Engineer Tamunomini Makinde, have been honoured with the chieftaincy titles of Aare Asoludero of Ibarapa Land and Yeye Aare Asoludero of Ibarapa, respectively.

The titles were conferred on the couple by the Eleruwa of Eruwa Land, Oba Samuel Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, during activities marking his first anniversary on the throne and the commissioning of the newly reconstructed Eleruwa Palace in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area.

The ceremony, held on Saturday, attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and other dignitaries who gathered to celebrate the monarch’s first year in office and witness the commissioning of the palace.

Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the Eleruwa and the people of Eruwa for the honour bestowed on him and his wife.

Gov. Makinde said his administration would continue to promote inclusive governance and equitable development across the state, assuring residents of Ibarapa that ongoing projects in the zone would be completed.

He specifically assured the people that the Ido-Eruwa Road project would be completed, while stating that the government would also explore the possibility of establishing a university campus in the zone.

The Governor said, “Our administration will continue to ensure inclusivity and equitable development across all zones of the state.”

He also appealed to traditional rulers in the state to remain above partisan politics and continue to provide leadership for all members of their communities, irrespective of political affiliation.

Makinde urged the monarchs to “remain apolitical and continue to serve as fathers to all, regardless of political affiliation.”

In his remarks, the Eleruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I, said the Governor and his wife were deserving of the titles, describing them as “foremost achievers, humanists and accomplished professionals.”

The monarch commended Makinde for what he described as his administration’s developmental strides in Eruwa and other parts of Ibarapa.

He, however, appealed to the Governor to expedite action on the completion of some projects in the area, particularly the Eruwa Farm Settlement and Ido-Eruwa Road.

Oba Adegbola said the Governor and his wife had demonstrated “commitment to the progress and development of society,” adding that the honour was in recognition of their contributions and achievements.

XMONDT DROPS NEW SINGLE “LIFETIMONY” — A POWERFUL SOUND OF GRATITUDE, GROWTH & SURVIVAL

Rising music talent Xmondt is back with a brand-new single titled “another Lifetimony,” and the song is already creating a buzz among music lovers.

“Lifetimony” is more than just a song—it is a reflection of life, struggles, growth, blessings, and the journey from where you started to where you are today. Xmondt delivers a heartfelt musical experience that blends captivating melodies with a message many listeners can relate to.

With its infectious sound and meaningful lyrics, “Lifetimony” captures the spirit of gratitude and the determination to keep pushing regardless of life’s challenges. Xmondt uses his unique sound and musical expression to tell a story of resilience, hope, and appreciation for every milestone.

The new release further showcases Xmondt’s creativity and his ability to connect personal experiences with a sound that resonates with his audience.

“Lifetimony” is out now on all major streaming platforms.

Stream, download, share, and experience the latest sound from Xmondt.

Xmondt – Lifetimony

Out Now!

Oyo 2027: Continuity With Impact - Adekanmbi Promise Steady Salaries, Better Education & More Infrastructure

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi, has called on media professionals to critically evaluate all aspirants seeking to govern the state. He urged them to scrutinize candidates’ words and promises to ensure that the next governor possesses competence, character, experience, and a clear value proposition to move Oyo State forward.

Adekanmbi, a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), who previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and later Commissioner for Finance under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, made this appeal on Thursday during an interactive session with members of the National Association of Public Affairs Analysts (NAPAA), general managers of radio stations, political programme producers, the Correspondents’ Chapel, online publishers, and social media influencers.

He described media professionals as the conscience of society, stressing that they must rise to the occasion and hold candidates accountable. Introducing himself, Adekanmbi noted that while he does not boast about qualifications, he possesses the technical expertise, governance experience, and native intelligence required to take Oyo State to greater heights.

“As journalists, you carry a very sensitive responsibility as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. As campaigns for the 2027 election begin, you must sieve all candidates and evaluate them thoroughly, regardless of party affiliation, so that the people do not suffer. Governor Makinde has raised the bar of governance. Anyone coming after him must not lower the standard,” he said.

Adekanmbi highlighted his professional and academic credentials, including degrees in Accounting and Applied Accounting, an MBA in Strategy and Finance, fellowship of the ACCA, and certification in SAP.

He recounted that he has worked in some of the best places in the world, including Birmingham City Council in the UK, where he designed and implemented financial systems, among others.

Adekanmbi referenced that his specialty is solving difficulty and challenging situations, noting that his reputation as a problem solver also came to the fore during Ajimobi’s administration.

He cited the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, where his intervention secured World Bank commendation after initial threats to withdraw funding.

On whether he had any pact with Governor Makinde, Adekanmbi clarified that there was none.

He explained that despite his early criticisms of Makinde’s administration, the governor recognised his value proposition and capacity to build on Oyo’s progress.

“Governor Makinde has achieved a lot of beautiful things, and through the bridge he has built, I am ready to take Oyo State to the promised land,” Adekanmbi said.

He added that while Makinde has encouraged him to chart his own path, the goodwill of the current administration will be instrumental in convincing the electorate that he can sustain and expand on its impactful legacy.

Adekanmbi emphasised that regardless of opposition narratives, Governor Makinde has raised the bar of governance in Oyo State and established key baselines that future administrations must build upon.

He cited how, for instance, Governor Makinde has set a great benchmark on the issue of prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, noting that if elected, he would have no difficulty sustaining the payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, having “learnt from the best” in the last seven years.

When asked to elaborate on his experience, Adekanmbi recalled coordinating Governor Ajimobi’s back office for nearly a year before commissioners were appointed in his second term. He also highlighted his role in automating salary payments as Commissioner for Finance.

“The Youth Employment Scheme, which engaged about 20,000 youths across sectors, was based on a brief I wrote. I also blueprinted the implementation of BIM in the Ministry of Lands and Housing, which became a lasting legacy. The Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue was once not independent. I drafted and implemented the law that gave it independence, transforming it into a meritocratic agency that attracts top talent and incentivizes performance,” he explained.

Adekanmbi further pointed to his leadership as chairman of the committee on the Ibadan Airport upgrade, where he successfully navigated political hostilities among nine federal agencies to secure approvals. He credited the Federal Airports Authority boss and committee members for their collaboration, noting that the project would not have advanced without the intervention.

On education, Adekanmbi commended Governor Makinde’s strides in reducing out-of-school children through strategic investments in the education sector. He pledged to deploy data-driven solutions to further tackle the issue, saying that he is dedicating a section of his manifesto to digital economy and innovation, aimed at expanding access to education and creating equal opportunities for youth and women.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the 110-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road, Adekanmbi stressed that the project, which according to him, was conceptualised by Baba Lam Adesina, has a lot of economic importance and it is connecting Ibadan’s four cardinal points, and opening surrounding local governments to development.

“The Circular Road is an international concept. Governor Makinde must be commended for the courage to embark on it. Baba Lam Adesina conceptualised the project and succesive administrations made efforts.

“The discussion is not about whether or not the project is a good one; it is. I have met with affected property owners twice; all they want is dignity and fairness. As a property owner myself, I understand their concerns. But let me be clear: we will not stop the project, because it is a great project,” Adekanmbi declared.

Adekanmbi emphasised that his experiences in governance, finance, and infrastructure development uniquely position him to build on Governor Makinde’s legacy.

He assured that his administration would sustain the progress already achieved while charting new paths for Oyo State’s growth.

Oyo 2027: THE STORY MUST CONTINUE! BIMBO ADEKANMBI SET TO BUILD ON OYO STATE’S PROGRESS

Oyo State’s journey of progress must continue with competence, commitment and a renewed vision for the people. Every great story is built one chapter at a time. Our story in Oyo State is no different. The progress we have witnessed is a foundation upon which we must continue to build, strengthen and improve.

As we look toward the next chapter, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi represents a new opportunity to sustain the momentum of development under the APM Party while bringing fresh energy, competence and commitment to the leadership of Oyo State.

This is not simply about moving from one chapter to another. It is about protecting the gains we have made, addressing the challenges that remain and creating even greater opportunities for our people. It is about ensuring that good governance remains at the heart of leadership and that every community continues to feel the impact of purposeful administration.

Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi’s vision is centred on continuity of good governance, competence in leadership and a strong commitment to the growth and development of our communities. The task ahead requires leadership that understands the needs of the people, listens to their concerns and is prepared to turn ideas and promises into meaningful results.

Our communities deserve leadership that will prioritise development, empower young people, support families, strengthen local economies and create an environment where businesses and individuals can thrive. But this next chapter cannot be written by one person alone. It must be written together.

It must be a collective effort involving youths, women, community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, grassroots stakeholders and every citizen who believes in a better and more prosperous Oyo State.

The future we desire requires participation. It requires unity. It requires courage and a shared commitment to keeping Oyo State moving forward.

As the political journey continues, the message is clear: we must not abandon progress; we must build on it. We must not lose momentum; we must strengthen it. And we must not only dream about a better Oyo State; we must work together to build it.

Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi is presented as the next chapter of this journey under the APM platform — a chapter focused on continuity, competence, accountability and community development.

The road ahead may be challenging, but with collective determination and a shared vision, we can continue to move Oyo State forward.

Our story continues. Our journey continues. And together, we will write the next chapter.

Oyo State deserves progress that continues. Oyo State deserves leadership that delivers. Together, let us move forward.

FROM PROMISE TO ACTION: BIMBO ADEKANMBI RETURNS TO ORANYAN MARKET WITH MATERIALS TRADERS ACTUALLY NEED

A promise made in the aftermath of a disaster can easily become just another headline. For families and traders who have lost their means of livelihood, words of sympathy are important—but what matters even more is what comes after the cameras leave and the attention fades.

At Oranyan Market in Ibadan, affected traders are now seeing something tangible.

Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi has returned to the market to fulfil the commitment she made following the devastating fire incident that affected traders and destroyed valuable shops, goods and properties. True to her word, she has provided planks, wood, nails and other essential building materials to support the affected traders as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their businesses and restoring their livelihoods.

For the traders, this is more than a donation. It is a message of hope.

The fire may have taken away years of hard work and investments in a matter of hours, but the determination to rebuild remains strong. In moments like this, practical intervention can make a significant difference. Providing materials that can immediately be used for reconstruction means affected traders can begin taking concrete steps towards getting their businesses back on their feet.

This intervention also reflects an important principle of leadership: listening to people and responding to their actual needs.

Rather than offering support that may have little immediate impact, Adekanmbi's intervention is focused on materials that can be put to work immediately. Planks, wood, nails and other building supplies may appear simple, but for a trader whose shop has been destroyed, they represent the foundation upon which a new beginning can be built.

It is a practical demonstration that compassion must go beyond words.

When Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi visited the affected traders in the aftermath of the fire, she made a commitment to stand with them. Today, that commitment has moved from words to action.

Leadership is not only about making promises when people are watching. It is about remembering those promises and showing up when the excitement has passed. It is about understanding that behind every destroyed shop is a family, a source of income, employees, customers and years of sacrifice.

For the traders of Oranyan Market, rebuilding will not happen overnight. There is still a long road ahead, and more support will undoubtedly be needed. But every plank delivered, every nail provided and every structure rebuilt represents one more step away from the devastation of the fire and one step closer to normalcy.