Eniola Yekini
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has rejected allegations that he insulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a town hall meeting in Ondo State, saying his remarks were not directed at the President.
The controversy followed an accusation by activist Sunday Igboho, who alleged that Makinde made offensive comments about Tinubu while addressing a gathering at the event.
In a statement published on Makinde’s official X account on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the governor’s camp said Makinde did not mention President Tinubu by name at the meeting.
The statement said the governor was speaking generally about people seeking election to the presidency and issuing a challenge to presidential hopefuls, not attacking the sitting President.
“At no point did Seyi Makinde mention President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s name in such comparison during the town hall meeting. He issued a general challenge to presidential candidates,” the statement said.
Makinde’s camp dismissed Igboho’s interpretation, arguing that it did not reflect the context or intent of the governor’s remarks.
The incident has generated debate, with the activist insisting the comments targeted Tinubu while the governor’s camp maintains the President was not mentioned.
The clarification comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with statements by public office holders attracting increased scrutiny.