Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that his Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, turned down an offer to contest the Oyo North Senatorial seat in the 2023 general elections to continue serving the state government.
The governor made the disclosure while presenting the Outstanding Public Service Award to Ogunwuyi during the Oyo State Youth Summit 2025, held in Ibadan.
According to Governor Makinde, the senatorial ticket was offered to Ogunwuyi as part of efforts to maintain religious and regional balance in political appointments across the state.
He explained that since the deputy governorship slot had already been ceded to the Oke-Ogun zone and given to a Muslim candidate, the plan was to present a Christian from Ogbomoso for the Senate seat.
” Activities leading to the 2023 elections, we have already chosen the deputy governorship candidate from Oke-ogun, a Muslim and I said to the Chief Of Staff that we have to look for a Christian from Ogbomoso to run for the senate to balance out the positions around the state.
“So I said you’re a Christian from Ogbomoso, so you fit the bill, and he said to me; nta jo n je ni State you, ka jo ma je lo”.
” He doesn’t want to go to any Senate that lets us just stay in this state and continue to serve the people together. So am not surprised that he won the award, Outstanding Public Service Award”, Makinde said
The Governor commended Ogunwuyi’s dedication to public service, describing him as a dependable and selfless leader whose contributions to the administration have been invaluable.
The Youth Summit, which drew participants from across the state, also featured panel discussions, policy presentations, and recognition of outstanding individuals contributing to the progress of Oyo State.
