Makinde Breaks 6-Year Tradition, Shuns Oyo NUJ @60; Union Vows To Hold Government Accountable

By Victoria Isaac 

The absence of Governor Seyi Makinde from the 60th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, on Monday, November 2, 2026, became a major talking point at the event, marking a break from the six-year tradition of gubernatorial representation and drawing attention to the governor’s relationship with the union and its historical role in his political journey.

Makinde, who is also the Grand Patron of the union, neither attended the ceremony nor sent a representative, despite receiving an official invitation.

The development marked a departure from the practice over the past six years, during which the governor consistently delegated representatives to declare the union’s celebrations open whenever he was unavailable.

His absence attracted attention, particularly against the backdrop of the NUJ’s role in the political journey that culminated in his emergence as governor in 2019.

Despite the governor’s absence, the ceremony was declared open by former NUJ National President, Prince Lanre Ogundipe, on behalf of the incumbent National President, Alhassan Yahya.

Ogundipe congratulated the council on attaining the 60-year milestone, commending it for living up to expectations as the oldest NUJ council.

Reacting to the government’s absence, Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, confirmed that the government had been officially invited but said the development would not distract the union from its professional responsibilities.

He maintained that the council would remain committed to holding government accountable, irrespective of the political circumstances.

“We will continue to practise our profession ethically, without fear or favour, irrespective of whose ox is gored,” Abas declared.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to journalists’ welfare, press freedom, professional development and the continued growth of the union.

A former chairman of the council, Comrade Adewunmi Williams Faniran, popularly known as Falipower, expressed disappointment over the governor’s absence, recalling the role the NUJ press centre played in Makinde’s political journey.

Faniran said the governor’s emergence was publicly endorsed at the Dapo Aderogba Hall of the press centre shortly before the 2019 governorship election, making his failure to attend the union’s diamond jubilee or send a representative particularly disappointing.

“Makinde’s hand was raised on March 5, 2019, by political leaders, including former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja, now the Olubadan of Ibadanland, at this press centre few days to the March 9, 2019 governorship election.”

“It is a great disappointment that the same governor was not part of this anniversary and did not even send any representative. This union played a significant role in Makinde’s emergence as governor,” he said.

Faniran argued that the governor’s absence was especially troubling given the significance of the occasion and the historical relationship between the union and the political class.

He maintained that political leaders who seek the support and attention of journalists during electioneering should also recognise the institution and its contributions beyond political campaigns.

The development has brought renewed attention to the relationship between the Oyo State Government and the NUJ, particularly the importance of mutual recognition between public office holders and an institution whose responsibilities include promoting accountability and safeguarding press freedom.