Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has paid an emotional tribute to his late father, Pa Olatunbosun Makinde, saying the passage of 14 years has done little to ease the pain of losing the one person who always spoke the truth to him without fear or favour.
Speaking during the 14th memorial service held in honour of his father at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, on Sunday, the governor reflected on the profound impact the late patriarch had on his personal life, leadership journey and decision-making.
For Makinde, the memorial was more than a yearly remembrance—it was a moment to celebrate the enduring values of honesty, integrity and fearless counsel that continue to guide him as governor.
Addressing journalists after the church service, the governor described his late father as more than a parent. He called him his confidant, mentor and closest friend, admitting that his absence still leaves a void in his life.
According to Makinde, his father possessed a rare quality that few people have—the courage to tell uncomfortable truths, even when they were difficult to accept.
“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.
His heartfelt remarks painted the picture of a father whose influence extended far beyond the family circle, shaping the values and principles that continue to define his son’s leadership style.
Bishop Celebrates Late Makinde’s Life Of Service
Delivering the sermon at the memorial service, the Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, described the late Pa Olatunbosun Makinde as a devout Christian whose life reflected unwavering commitment to God, the Church and humanity.
The cleric noted that the deceased remained a faithful member of the Cathedral of St. Peter throughout his lifetime and challenged Christians to emulate his virtues of humility, faithfulness and selfless service.
According to the bishop, lives built on integrity and service leave legacies that outlive death.
The bishop also used the occasion to commend Governor Makinde over the recent rescue of abducted teachers and pupils from Oriire Local Government Area.
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He praised the relative peace Oyo State has experienced under the governor’s administration over the past seven years, expressing optimism about the state’s future while reminding the congregation that every political destiny ultimately rests in God’s hands.
Before the church service, Governor Makinde paid a solemn visit to the resting places of both his parents.
He laid wreaths on the graves of his late father, Pa Olatunbosun Makinde, and his mother, Madam Abigail Makinde, who died on October 15, 2020, at the age of 81 and was buried on December 5 of the same year.
The governor was joined by his elder brother, Barrister Muyiwa Makinde, alongside members of the Oyo State Executive Council, senior government officials, religious leaders and family members.
Among those present were the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe; Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian Wing), Bishop Ademola Morakinyo; Government House Chaplain, Pastor Layi Adisa; Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs, Rev. Femi Ibikunle, and other dignitaries.
The memorial ended with prayers and reflections celebrating the life, faith and legacy of a man whose influence, according to Governor Makinde, continues to resonate long after his passing.