“If You Like Vote For A Lawyer Without a Case History, Ministry of ‘Kokoro Alate’- Makinde Shades Ali Hamzat
By Aliyu Oyewole
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has taken a swipe at opposition figures in the state, including Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Accord governorship candidate Oriyomi Hamzat, questioning their experience and preparedness to govern the state.
Makinde made the remarks while speaking about the 2027 Oyo governorship contest, where several political actors are positioning themselves to succeed him.
The governor reportedly took aim at Alli over his legal background, while also making a reference to Hamzat’s popular radio programme, Kokoro Alate.
“If you like, vote for someone who calls himself a lawyer but has never handled a case before. Another one said he would create a Ministry of ‘Kokoro Alate.’ Governance is a serious business, not a place to joke,” Makinde said.
The comments come amid intensifying political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
Hamzat, a popular broadcaster and Accord Party governorship candidate, has increasingly positioned himself as a major contender in the race. He previously disclosed that he supported Makinde’s emergence as governor, saying he was among those who encouraged and backed him during his earlier governorship bid.
Hamzat has also said his support for Makinde was not motivated by government contracts or personal benefits, but by his belief that the governor would deliver good governance to the people of Oyo State.
The relationship between both men has since deteriorated, with Hamzat now seeking to succeed Makinde as governor on the Accord platform.
Meanwhile, Senator Sharafadeen Alli is also among the prominent political figures involved in the emerging 2027 contest.
Makinde’s latest comments are expected to further intensify the political exchanges as parties and aspirants continue to mobilise support across the state.
With the 2027 race gradually taking shape, the battle for Agodi Government House is already producing sharper attacks, competing narratives and fresh political alignments across Oyo.
