Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has publicly voiced strong criticisms against the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that it has become increasingly difficult to articulate dissenting views or "speak truth to power" under the current government. Makinde made these remarks on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, during the 60th birthday celebration of Samson Ajetomobi, president of The Men of Issachar Vision Incorporated (MIV) and overseer of the Redemption Faith Churches. The event was notably attended by former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, whose leadership style Makinde openly praised.

Addressing Osinbajo directly, Governor Makinde expressed his personal regret at his absence from a central position of power, stating, “Sir, I personally miss you in that position. A lot of people may not know why things are not really the same.” He clarified that his comments were not politically motivated, emphasizing that he was not speaking from a partisan platform. Makinde contrasted the current climate with what he described as a more consultative approach during the tenure of late President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly highlighting Osinbajo's role.

Makinde recalled a critical period during his early months in office when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in February 2020. He recounted a tense National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, chaired by Osinbajo at the time, where governors were initially advised to implement total lockdowns in their states. However, Makinde credited Osinbajo's leadership for fostering an environment that allowed for debate and consideration of dissenting views. This consultative approach, he explained, directly influenced his decision not to impose a total lockdown in Oyo State, saying, “But for Oyo state people, why I did not lock down during COVID was because of his decision.”

Drawing a sharp contrast, the Oyo governor criticized the current administration's handling of the controversial tax reform bill. He alleged that concerns raised by governors were ignored, and the federal government shut out dissenting views, making it impossible to dispassionately discuss the bill. Makinde stated, “We had the same situation in this dispensation; it was the tax bill. We said, ‘Bring the tax bill back; let us all have an opportunity to look dispassionately at it,’ but you cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation. The tax bill will go ahead.” He further noted that the outcome of the tax bill process, including what was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law, remains unclear to stakeholders, describing the federal government's response as intolerant of dissent.

Former Vice-President Osinbajo, present at the event, appreciated Governor Makinde and commended his style of governance. He also revealed that he had declined Makinde’s offer to use the gubernatorial podium for his speech, stating, “I don’t want to get used to political podiums, gubernatorial podiums, so I think I better stand here.” Osinbajo then paid tribute to the celebrant, Rev. Samson Ajetomobi, praising his achievements, composure, and carriage, and acknowledging his significant contributions to spiritual leadership.

The celebration was attended by several notable dignitaries, including Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Bishop Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and his wife Victoria; and Rev. Supo Ayokunle, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), among others.