Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has criticised the Tinubu administration over the handling of tax reform bills, saying the current political environment makes it difficult to speak truth to power.
Makinde made the remarks on Saturday at a public event in Ibadan, where he reflected on what he described as a more consultative style of governance during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. He particularly referenced the role played by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, whom he praised for encouraging open dialogue while chairing meetings of the National Economic Council.
According to the governor, the approach of the present administration to the tax reform bills has raised serious concerns among state governors. He said the bills were pushed through without adequate consultation, stressing that governors were neither properly carried along nor fully informed about the final versions passed by the National Assembly and eventually signed into law.
“You cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation,” Makinde said. He added that governors had asked that the tax bills be stepped down to allow for broader and more objective engagement, but their request was ignored. Describing the development as an affront to subnational governments, he said, “We do not know what was eventually passed by the National Assembly, and we also do not know what was signed.”
Makinde recalled that Osinbajo’s leadership style at the National Economic Council influenced key decisions taken during the Buhari administration, including his choice not to impose a total lockdown in Oyo State at the height of national economic and social pressures. Addressing Osinbajo at the event, the governor said he missed his consultative approach, adding, “When I say I miss you, I miss you so much, sir.”
Reacting to Makinde’s comments, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, accused the Oyo governor of turning himself into what he described as an opposition mouthpiece after allegedly receiving a cold reception from President Tinubu during a recent visit to the Presidential Villa.
In a statement made available on Sunday, Fayose claimed that Makinde’s remarks were linked to the outcome of that visit, insisting that the President had made it clear he would support candidates of his party in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fayose said Makinde had initially sought reconciliation but was disappointed by the President’s stance. He argued that the governor would not have openly criticised Tinubu’s administration if he had received the response he expected. Fayose further alleged that Makinde was positioning himself politically ahead of future elections, accusing him of praising the Buhari administration while portraying Tinubu as intolerant of dissent.
He added that the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State should begin preparing to challenge any candidate Makinde might support, claiming the governor would likely align with another political platform, as he would no longer enjoy the backing of his party structure for such a move.
The exchange has added to growing political tension over governance style, intergovernmental relations, and the handling of key national reforms under the Tinubu administration.
