Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has lauded former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for his leadership style while in office, while sharply criticising President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the recently enacted tax reform laws.
Makinde said the current administration has made it difficult to “speak truth to power,” arguing that key stakeholders, including state governors, were sidelined in the process that produced the tax reforms.
“I personally miss your time as the Vice President. Things are not the same in this present administration,” Makinde said while addressing Osinbajo at a public event. “Look at the tax bill—we said bring the tax bill back and let us have the opportunity to look at it, but you cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation.”
The governor described the passage and signing of the tax bill as an affront to governors, noting that there was little clarity around what was eventually approved by the National Assembly and signed into law by the President.
“That the tax bill will go ahead is an affront for even the governors. We don’t know what was passed at the National Assembly. We don’t also know what was signed off,” he added.
Makinde’s comments come amid growing concerns from state governments and other stakeholders over the content and implications of the new tax reform laws, with critics arguing that the process lacked sufficient consultation and transparency.
The Tinubu administration has maintained that the tax reforms are necessary to expand Nigeria’s revenue base, improve fiscal sustainability, and reduce overreliance on borrowing. However, opposition figures and some governors insist that meaningful engagement with subnational governments is critical, given the potential impact of the reforms on states’ finances and economic activities.
Osinbajo, who served as Vice President from 2015 to 2023, is widely regarded for his role in mediating between the federal government and states, particularly on economic and legal matters. Makinde’s remarks have further fueled debate over governance style, consultation, and inclusiveness under the current administration.
