Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described his late father, Olatunbosun Makinde, as a reliable parent, whose honesty, wisdom and counsel shaped his personal life and leadership qualities.

Mr Makinde, on Sunday, paid tribute to his late father during the 14th remembrance service held at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Mr Makinde, who said he missed his father, described him as both a mentor and close friend.

“My father was my friend, and when he passed away, I lost a close companion. What I miss most is that he was the only person who could look me in the eyes and tell me the truth, even when I did not want to hear it,” Mr Makinde said.

The Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Most Reverend Williams Aladekugbe, in his sermon, described the governor’s father as a Christian who devoted his life to serving God, the church and his immediate community.

The cleric also described the governor’s late father as a model of faith, humility and selfless service. 

He noted that like the governor’s late father, Mr Makinde’s political future remained in God’s hands.

After the memorial service, the governor laid wreaths at the graves of his late father and mother, Abigail Makinde.

Attendees at the memorial service included the governor’s elder brother, Muyiwa Makinde; the state’s commissioner for lands, housing and urban development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo; the commissioner for education, science and technology, Segun Olayiwola; the commissioner for health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, alongside other government officials and family members.