In the theatre of Nigerian politics, it has become a familiar rhythm—leaders surrounded by praise singers who echo flattery louder than truth. Their songs rise higher when power is near and fade into silence when accountability calls. In Oyo State, this old political habit has started to face a new kind of scrutiny, not from the opposition, but from within the same civic consciousness that Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership has awakened.
Governor Makinde’s emergence and governance style have, without question, redefined subnational administration in Nigeria. His focus on transparency, data-driven planning, agribusiness development, infrastructure renewal, and people-centred policies has created a model worth studying. Yet, as every great reformer knows, even a system driven by sincerity can be weakened from within—by the chorus of uncritical praise that blinds leaders to the truth they most need to hear.
This is what I call “The Praise Singers’ Module.” It is not unique to Makinde’s government; it is a Nigerian political syndrome—a cultural module that finds a host in every administration. It operates subtly, feeding on access and favour, and gradually turns civic engagement into a performance of loyalty rather than a conversation about progress.
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The playbook is simple. A few individuals, often opportunistic, position themselves as “defenders” of the governor. Their language becomes a ritual of exaggerated applause, their criticism of others a show of allegiance. In time, they begin to represent themselves as the authentic voice of the people, when in truth, they are only amplifying themselves.
In such an environment, constructive criticism becomes seen as betrayal, honest feedback becomes opposition, and the rhythm of governance loses its sync with reality. This is where the “Check for Recess” becomes necessary—a pause for introspection, a conscious break from the hypnotic chant of praises, and a return to the disciplined sound of governance tuned to the frequency of truth.
One of Makinde’s greatest strengths has been his ability to stay focused amid noise. He listens, filters, and acts. His calm disposition hides a sharp mind trained to separate performance from purpose. His decision-making process has consistently shown that he values evidence over emotion, strategy over sentiment.
Yet, leadership is human. The danger of a noisy echo chamber lies not in its existence but in its persistence. If the governor’s team and supporters fail to maintain a balance between loyalty and honesty, then the government risks drifting into self-congratulation.
For a state like Oyo, which has become a beacon of subnational innovation—from the agribusiness transformation in Fasola to the Rungis-style wholesale food market in Ijaiye—constant self-assessment is non-negotiable. Development thrives on feedback loops, not fanfare.
Political communication in Oyo State should not be reduced to praise campaigns. The true essence of communication is connection—between government actions and citizens’ lived realities. The challenge before the communication apparatus of the state is to sustain a transparent flow of information that educates, not merely excites; that enlightens, not embellishes.
Government narratives should serve as open ledgers of progress, not selective press releases designed to please. When citizens trust information, they defend governance with conviction, not compulsion. This is how Makinde’s legacy can outlive political seasons—by institutionalising communication grounded in truth, clarity, and accountability.
The citizens, too, must evolve beyond the culture of applause. Democracy was not built for spectators but for stakeholders. Constructive criticism, community participation, and civic responsibility are not acts of defiance; they are acts of citizenship.
Governor Makinde has often emphasised participatory governance—through town hall meetings, community-based project monitoring, and open-budgeting systems. These are opportunities for citizens to engage, evaluate, and advise. A citizen who chooses silence for fear of being misunderstood becomes an accomplice in the failure of the system they once believed in.
Makinde’s inner circle ( Behind The Scene Ancestors ) must embrace truth as loyalty. Advisers, aides, and political appointees have a sacred duty to speak with candour, even when the message is uncomfortable. Leadership requires mirrors, not megaphones. A leader’s greatness is measured not by the volume of his applause but by the quality of minds that surround him. How I wish the SUCCESSOR will buy this model
When aides turn into praise choristers, they erode the intellectual fabric of governance. But when they challenge ideas respectfully, they enrich policy outcomes. The balance of power in governance is sustained by this intellectual honesty.
Dear Gov. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE Dsc GSSRS, let me close from here for now!
He said and I quote: “I don’t want to be remembered for the roads, infrastructure, security, health care and others we’ve done but the institutions we are leaving behind as legacies ” Gov. Seyi Makinde
However, I must say this that, every great system requires a “recess”—a moment to breathe, reflect, and realign. For Oyo State, this is not a call for retreat but for renewal. Makinde’s administration stands at the edge of legacy—where the accomplishments of today must be protected from the distractions of excessive praise.
It is time to check the module. To pause the praise. To fine-tune the melody of governance so that progress remains the dominant note.
Governor Makinde has proven to be a leader who values ideas over noise, results over rhetoric, and people over politics. That culture must continue—guarded not by praise singers, but by truth tellers hence the SUCCESSOR should take leaves from.
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And as history often reminds us, leaders who listen to truth—even when it hurts—end up hearing the loudest applause when it truly matters: from the generations they served well.
CREDIT: Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez
(IJOBA AUTHORITY MOE)
Policy Advocate | Public Affairs Analyst
Convener, Emerging Force Platform
Loyalist of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE
