Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that he once nursed an ambition to join the Nigerian military but was unsuccessful in achieving that dream.
The governor made this revelation in his latest newsletter, where he paid tribute to his late elder brother, Elder (Engr.) Sunday Olufunmilayo Makinde, who played a significant role in shaping his life and aspirations.
While he is widely known today as a businessman-turned-politician, Makinde’s original goal was to serve Nigeria in uniform, following in the footsteps of those he admired. However, fate had other plans, leading him down a different path—one that eventually saw him rise to lead Oyo State as its governor.
A Brother’s Influence
Governor Makinde credited his elder brother, Sunday Makinde, for instilling in him the values of hard work, integrity, and discipline—qualities that initially fueled his desire to join the military. He recalled how, in 1982, they shared a bed in their father’s house, strengthening their sibling bond.
“You walked so I could run,” Makinde wrote in an emotional tribute to his brother, acknowledging the profound influence Sunday had on his personal and professional journey.
Sunday Makinde was more than just an older brother; he was a mentor, a guiding light, and a source of stability in the family. He led by example, pushing his younger siblings to aim higher and strive for excellence.
“My brother was the voice of reason in our family, a true firstborn—the binder,” Makinde wrote, emphasizing how Sunday served as the glue that held the family together.
The Unfulfilled Dream
Makinde’s ambition to serve in the military was a serious one. He had set his sights on joining the ranks of Nigeria’s armed forces and had even structured his educational path around that goal. But despite his determination, the dream never materialized.
Unlike his brother, who was able to fulfill his career ambitions, Makinde found himself taking a different route. He went on to study Electrical Engineering, building a successful career in the private sector before venturing into politics.
Although he never wore a military uniform, the discipline and leadership qualities he admired in the armed forces have remained central to his governance style. As governor, he has often been praised for his strategic approach to leadership, his emphasis on order and efficiency, and his commitment to serving the people of Oyo State with the same dedication he once hoped to bring to the military.
A Life Well Lived
Despite the pain of losing his brother, Governor Makinde took solace in the knowledge that Sunday Makinde lived a fulfilled life.
“You will live on in my heart, and your memory will remain forever cherished,” he wrote in his tribute, expressing deep gratitude for the lessons and legacy left behind by his elder sibling.
Beyond family, Sunday Makinde’s influence extends to Oyo State as a whole. Many of the values he passed on to his younger brother—accountability, discipline, and a strong sense of duty—are evident in Governor Makinde’s leadership style today.
Service in a Different Form
Though his military ambitions never materialized, Seyi Makinde has found another way to serve his country. As the governor of one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states, he has embraced public service with a sense of duty reminiscent of the military officers he once aspired to join.
His governance has been marked by a focus on infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and education reform—areas where he believes strong leadership can make the most impact.
