Makinde Dismisses Fayose’s Claim of Tense Meeting With Tinubu

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has refuted claims by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, that his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was tense and politically charged.

Fayose had alleged that Governor Makinde was reprimanded by President Tinubu during a visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, over political disagreements, including his perceived closeness to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Governor Makinde, however, described the claims as inaccurate, clarifying that the meeting, which held behind closed doors on Thursday, was conducted at the President’s request and focused strictly on governance issues affecting Oyo State.

In his January newsletter released shortly after the visit, the governor explained that the engagement was necessitated by pressing matters requiring direct intervention at the highest level.

“Earlier today, at the President’s request, I met with him to discuss urgent governance issues, because leadership sometimes requires direct, high-level intervention in the interest of Oyo State,” Makinde stated.

He added that such engagements are both a responsibility and a privilege, particularly at critical moments in the state’s development, a position that sharply contrasts Fayose’s account of a hostile encounter.

Fayose had claimed that President Tinubu declined political discussions during the meeting, accused Makinde of inconsistency between his public and private positions, and reportedly stated that he neither expected Makinde’s support in the 2027 elections nor intended to abandon Wike, whom he allegedly described as a loyal ally.

However, sources close to the Oyo State governor insist that the meeting was neither confrontational nor political, stressing that the visit was solely aimed at advancing Oyo State’s developmental interests.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Governor Makinde also reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that he remains comfortable within the party.