Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Sunday, paid tribute to his late father, Pa Olatunbosun Makinde, describing him as a candid adviser, who never hesitated to tell him the truth, no matter how difficult the situation was.
Speaking at the 14th memorial service held in honour of his father, at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, the governor said he still deeply misses his father, whom he described as both a mentor and a close friend.
Addressing journalists after the service, Governor Makinde noted that his father’s passing left a profound vacuum in his life, adding that he continues to miss his father’s sincere and forthright counsel.
“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,” Makinde said.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, the Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, described Pa Olatunbosun Makinde as a devoted Christian, who dedicated his life to serving God, the Church, and the community.
He noted that the late Makinde was a committed member of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo throughout his lifetime, and urged Christians to emulate his exemplary life of faith and service.
The cleric also congratulated Governor Makinde on the recent rescue of abducted teachers and pupils from Oriire Local Government Area.
He commended the peaceful atmosphere that has characterised the past seven years of the Makinde administration, adding that the governor’s political future ultimately rests in God’s hands.
Earlier, Governor Makinde laid wreaths at the graves of his late father and his late mother, Madam Abigail Makinde, who passed away on October 15, 2020, at the age of 81 and was buried on December 5, 2020.
The governor was accompanied by his elder brother, Barr. Muyiwa Makinde; Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. 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 Mr. Peter Eledan, among other government officials and family members.
