"If I Wasn’t in Government, I’d Be Protesting Too” — Gov Makinde Tells VDM, Other Protesters
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has told protesters, including VeryDarkMan VDM and other demonstrators, that he understands their grievances and would have joined them if he were not in office.
Addressing the crowd directly on Wednesday, Makinde said: “If I’m not in Government, I will be with you. I will be protesting also. I have nothing against this protest. Agitation may be required when things are like this.” He described protest as a legitimate form of expression in a democracy, especially when citizens are feeling the impact of hardship.
The governor also responded to concerns over the recent abduction of students and teachers in the state. He assured VDM and other protesters that his administration is working closely with security agencies to secure their safe and immediate release. “The safety of our children and teachers is a priority. I assure you that we are deploying everything within our power to ensure the abducted students and their teachers are rescued unharmed and returned to their families,” he stated.
Makinde took time to explain the structure of security control in Nigeria to the protesters. He made them know that as governor, he has no direct control over the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State or over the military, just like other governors across the country. “The Police Commissioner does not take orders from me. The military does not take orders from me. That is the reality for every governor in this federation,” he said. He added that the only state security outfit he has direct control over is Amotekun. However, he noted a major limitation: “I can deploy Amotekun, but they cannot carry ammunition. That is the law as it stands today.”
While expressing empathy for the protesters’ demands, Makinde urged them to remain peaceful and avoid destruction of public property. “This is your government. When you speak, I hear you. Protest with sense. Let us protect what we have built together while we push for what is better,” he added.
VDM and other protesters acknowledged the governor’s frankness, with some noting that his explanation on security control clarified a long-standing public misconception. Civil society observers described the engagement as tension-lowering and a model for dialogue between government and citizens. Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to people-centered governance under Omituntun 2.0 and promised that feedback from the protests would shape policy responses.