Broadcaster claims he brought Makinde into Oyo governorship race

Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has asserted that he played a key role in Governor Seyi Makinde's entry into the Oyo State governorship race and deserves recognition for the governor's achievements during his eight-year tenure. Hamzat made these claims during a meeting with Accord Party members in Ibadan, as his relationship with Makinde has significantly soured over divergent political interests ahead of the 2027 general election.

Hamzat, known for his interventionist program "Kokoro Alate," stated he initially supported Makinde's bid believing he would serve the people of Oyo State. "Seyi Makinde has reformed Oyo. Hence, we are not following you. Who brought Seyi Makinde? I was the one. I was one of those that brought him and supported him as governor," Hamzat declared. He questioned why he is denied credit for the administration's successes while negative aspects are used against him.

“

Seyi Makinde has reformed Oyo. Hence, we are not following you. Who brought Seyi Makinde? I was the one. I was one of those that brought him and supported him as governor. All those good things, why don’t you give me the credit? Why is it that it is the unpleasant side that people are using to attack me?

He stressed that his relationship with Makinde was never transactional, emphasizing his desire for public recognition of Makinde's performance, which he helped facilitate. "People have called me an ungrateful person. How? Is it not the same Oriyomi that came to you to campaign for him (Makinde), the belief you have in me showed in the result of the election," he asked. Hamzat added, "I’m not following government because of contracts, I had an agreement with the government that I support that they will take care of the masses. No transactional relationship whatsoever."

The broadcaster's latest comments highlight the worsening political differences between him and Makinde. Makinde, currently serving his second term, has shifted to the Allied Peoples Movement to pursue a presidential ambition in the 2027 election. Furthermore, Makinde has openly endorsed former Commissioner for Finance Bimbo Adekanmbi as his preferred successor for the Oyo governorship in 2027, a move that appears to have further strained his relationship with Hamzat.

“

People have called me an ungrateful person. How? Is it not the same Oriyomi that came to you to campaign for him (Makinde), the belief you have in me showed in the result of the election. I’m not following government because of contracts, I had an agreement with the government that I support that they will take care of the masses. No transactional relationship whatsoever. I just want the people to applaud me that the person I introduced to them is performing well.