In recent times, Nigerian social media has once again proven how easily misinformation, half-truths, and deliberate political propaganda can gain traction when emotions override facts. One of the most circulated narratives in this cycle is the repeated posting of an old photograph of Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, allegedly taken in 1997, portraying him as a “poor man” who supposedly rose from nothing. The undertone of these posts is not admiration but mockery—an attempt to rewrite history and weaponize imagery against logic.
However, a closer and more honest examination of that photograph immediately exposes the weakness of the argument. The image clearly bears the SDP (Social Democratic Party) insignia on Makinde’s pocket, a detail that automatically discredits the 1997 claim. That period aligns more plausibly with his gubernatorial political activities, not some impoverished early phase of his life. This is not a matter of opinion; it is a matter of basic political chronology and visual evidence.
The more troubling issue, therefore, is not the photo itself but the intellectual dishonesty behind its circulation. Is it a case of poor information, selective amnesia, or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public? Whatever the motivation, it reflects a deeper problem in Nigeria’s political conversation—our growing comfort with false narratives when they suit partisan interests.
The Reality of Seyi Makinde’s Wealth Before Politics
Contrary to the popular culture of political godfatherism in Nigeria, Seyi Makinde’s political journey stands out precisely because of how financially independent he was before entering public office. Unlike many politicians who rely heavily on political patrons to bankroll their ambitions, Makinde reportedly spent his own money to fund his elections—a rarity in Nigerian politics.
This fact alone should invite respect, not ridicule.
Before politics, Makinde had already established himself as a successful engineer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of Makon Engineering and Technical Services, (METS) at the age of 29 in the year 1997,a firm that executed major projects for multinational corporations, including Mobil (now ExxonMobil). By his own widely reported account, Makinde secured a contract worth over $1 million at the age of 29, a feat that places him far above the average Nigerian professional trajectory of that era.
So when people question his wealth today, one must ask: why is it so hard to believe that a man who was already successful decades before politics could legitimately be wealthy?
Asset Declaration and an Unusual Transparency
When Seyi Makinde assumed office as Governor of Oyo State in 2019, he publicly declared his assets, a move that surprised many Nigerians—including political observers like myself. At the time, I distinctly remember expressing shock, not because the assets were suspicious, but because they were substantial and openly declared in a political environment where most office holders do everything possible to conceal their wealth.
This experience mirrored a similar moment from the past involving Rashidi Ladoja, another former Oyo State governor, whose billionaire status became more widely acknowledged only after he assumed office. These examples raise an important question: Is it now a crime to be rich before becoming a governor?
If anything, asset declaration is meant to promote transparency, not to invite public outrage. It would be far more suspicious if a politician entered office claiming to own nothing and exited as a billionaire. Yet, in Makinde’s case, the narrative is inverted—he declared significant assets upfront, and instead of praise, he received skepticism.
Is it even logically possible to declare assets you do not own without legal consequences? In a political system where concealment is the norm, Makinde’s openness should be studied, not scorned.
Selective Outrage and the Wike Comparison
Much of the noise around Seyi Makinde today is not organic; it is deeply entangled with the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the political posturing of Nyesom Wike, former Rivers State governor. Ironically, Wike himself has never shied away from boasting about his own political pedigree, wealth, and influence. So why is Makinde’s case suddenly different?
The attempt to drag Makinde into unnecessary controversy under the guise of defending Wike is not only irrelevant but intellectually lazy. Politics allows for disagreement, but it should not require distortion of facts.
More importantly, why are Nigerians not asking tougher questions about a man who claims PDP membership while openly aligning with an APC-led federal government? Why has Wike not formally declared his defection, even as many of his political loyalists in Rivers State have crossed over? In Yoruba political wisdom, this kind of behavior is aptly described as “sekuseyẹ”—political duplicity driven by self-interest.
PDP, 2027, and the Logic of Makinde’s Argument
During a recent media chat, Seyi Makinde made a statement that angered many but resonated deeply with politically conscious Nigerians. He referenced Wike’s claim that he would “hold PDP” for the President ahead of 2027 and questioned the outcome of that promise.
To any objective observer, Makinde’s point was logically sound. Has the PDP not been weakened significantly? Is the party not struggling for coherence, relevance, and unity today? The signs are evident.
History offers a parallel in the actions of Bukola Saraki, whose political maneuvers once reshaped party dynamics in Nigeria. We all remember how that chapter ended. Nigerian politics has a habit of repeating itself, only with different actors.
Personality, Governance, and Public Conduct
Beyond party politics, Seyi Makinde’s personal style of governance deserves attention. By Nigerian standards, he is remarkably easy-going, measured, and restrained in public communication. This is particularly notable given his Ibadan roots, a city famously associated with outspoken political culture.
Makinde is not known for unnecessary noise-making. He rarely engages in media wars or personal attacks. Even when provoked, his responses are often calm and policy-focused. This temperament may not appeal to those who thrive on political drama, but it aligns with democratic maturity.
When things were cordial between Wike and Makinde, the public was not invited into their private discussions. If they have now chosen different paths, why should it suddenly become a national obsession?
The Hypocrisy of Political Perception
One of the most revealing aspects of this saga is the hypocrisy surrounding party affiliation. If Seyi Makinde were to defect to the APC tomorrow, many of his current critics would instantly become his loudest praise singers. The same old photos being used today for mockery would be repackaged as symbols of “humility” and “grassroots struggle.”
This behavior exposes the emptiness of partisan outrage.
Posting about Seyi Makinde morning and night as if he personally deprived people of oxygen is not activism; it is obsession. Worse still, many of those attacking him are not even residents of Oyo State.
And that raises a fundamental democratic question: Why not hold your own governor accountable instead?
A Message to the Political Jobbers
As the Yoruba saying goes:
“Àwọn olósèlú pẹ̀lú ọ̀tẹ̀ àti rikisi nítorí oúnjẹ òṣèlú.”
Politics driven by hunger will always lack principle.
Nigeria will make progress only when citizens focus on governance outcomes within their jurisdictions instead of becoming foot soldiers in other people’s political battles. Face your state. Face your governor. Face your party structures.
Leave Seyi Makinde for the people of Ọyọ State.
In the end, history is kinder to facts than to propaganda. And no amount of recycled photographs can erase a life of verifiable achievement, transparent governance, and principled political choice.
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