There is unease among many allies of Governor Seyi Makinde regarding the 2027 gubernatorial ticket within the governor’s camp. Several names have been suggested to replace the governor, but none has garnered as much support as the individual who has been strongly endorsed by Governor Seyi Makinde’s close allies and party leaders in Oyo State. His name is Prof. Musibau Babatunde. He is one of the few individuals recently considered, but what makes his situation more peculiar and interesting is Governor Makinde’s interest in Prof. Musibau. This has led many close allies and Oyo party leaders, particularly those who are close to the governor, to strongly believe he is the governor’s anointed candidate. One of the top PDP leaders in the state has stated that Prof. Babatunde was previously an academic and only officially became a politician a few years ago when Governor Makinde appointed him as Chief Economic Adviser to the state government. He is also said to have played a significant role in helping Governor Makinde reengineer the development of Oyo State. He is a seasoned academic, often associated with the University of Ibadan’s Economics Department, with expertise in energy, international economics, and macroeconomics. In 2023, he was promoted to Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Oyo State, and just a few months ago, in January 2026, he was appointed as the Oyo State Secretary to the State Government. The governor has also spoken highly of this man, whom many have tipped to succeed him in 2027.
Governor Makinde spoke about his appointment during the administration of the oath of office and signing of the oath of office book. The governor mentioned that Babatunde, a Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan, had been with him for years and understands the workings of the government. He noted that the professor’s appointment as SSG was based on his experience and not on religion or the geopolitical zone to which he belongs, charging him to use his experience to ensure the smooth running of the system and to weld the administration together. He said that Prof. Babatunde was one of the few people who supported and believed in his political vision before he became the governor of the state in 2019.
And for those who have been following Governor Makinde in the last few years, he has told people around him that his successor will come from within his cabinet and that he is going to hand over to someone who has been in the system for the sake of continuity of development in the state. Gov. Makinde has stated that his goal is to maintain the momentum of his administration’s projects in infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development. He believes that someone who has been part of the team and has “bought into” the current developmental trajectory is best suited to continue the work. The governor has also emphasized that his successor will be chosen based on competence, experience in his administration, and a proven ability to deliver results, rather than just political considerations.
He has publicly stated that he is looking for someone whose primary loyalty is to the people of Oyo State and the continuation of development, rather than a “yes-man” who might reverse progress once in office. Governor Makinde, a few months ago, said he may consider putting forward an individual from within his team as a successor in the 2027 elections. Justifying the decision, the Governor said that although the final decision on who takes over after him lies with the people, suggesting a candidate from within his team, who would have been evaluated to have a good understanding of all that his administration is doing, will be a sure path to building on the roadmap for sustainable development beyond 2027. The Prof is from Oyo town, and that’s why the people of Oyo town have been happy about this position. According to a statement of support by the Muslim Community of Oyo State, the statement was signed by Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, Chairman, and Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, Secretary-General. “His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, being a very observant leader, must have seen all the qualities embedded in Prof. Musibau Babatunde, which eventually culminated in his advancement to the enviable position of Secretary to Oyo State Government: a round peg in a round hole. “While we appreciate His Excellency, the Governor, for this appointment, we felicitate our brother, Prof. Musibau Adetunji, and wish him tremendous success in this new endeavor. More grace, in shaa Llaah.” The 51-year-old Prof has now become one of the biggest politicians from Oyo State to watch out for as a potential successor to the governor in 2027.
Prof Musibau has taught in the Department of Economics at the University of Ibadan, where he advanced through academic ranks and was promoted to professor in 2021. In 2019, Babatunde was appointed Chief Economic Adviser to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. In July 2023, his nomination as a Commissioner was submitted to the Oyo State House of Assembly for confirmation. He was subsequently confirmed and appointed Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning. Babatunde received the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Nairobi, Collaborative PhD Scholarship Award for African Scholars. Prof earned his first degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan. He continued his postgraduate studies at the same institution, completing both his master’s and doctoral programs. His master’s program concluded with him being named the best graduating student.
And again, Oyo town aims to produce the next Oyo State governor based on a desire for political equity, regional balance, and the belief that it is their turn in the rotation of power. There is also a strong feeling in Oyo town that power should rotate to their area to ensure balanced development across the state’s 33 Local Government Areas. “It is My Turn” sentiment: Other prominent figures who are from Oyo, the likes of Adebayo Adelabu are actively pursuing the governorship, arguing that they have the experience and qualifications necessary to lead. Performance and development: Supporters believe that candidates from Oyo town can bring significant development, referencing past contributions to security and education in the state.
With previous governors coming from other regions like Ibadan and Ogbomoso, Oyo town believes it is time to produce the next leader to address perceived marginalization. All these indices are pointers to the eligibility of Prof Musibau as the anointed candidate of Governor Seyi Makinde in the forthcoming Oyo State gubernatorial election.
Isaac Abimbade
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