By Safiu Kehinde
In what he called his last newsletter for year 2023, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has narrated how four books he read guided his administration through the course of the year.
According to the governor, he was able to read four books which included _The Plot to Save South Africa_ by Justice Malala, _The Silk Road_ by Peter Frankopan, _Blockchain Revolution_ by Don Tapscott and Allen Tapscott, and _Rich Country, Poor People_ by Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinja.
Each book, according to Makinde, took him three months to finish.
In the newsletter titled The Business of Governance, Seyi narrated the key lessons he learnt from the books, especially The Plot to Save South Africa, and how he applied them in governance.
He revealed how the book helped him to remain firm in his convictions especially during crises, one of which included his legal battle with 33 local government chairmen he sacked earlier this year.
“One of the lessons from that book has helped me this year to remain firm in my convictions, especially in crises, so as not to lose focus. This firmness is needed when making decisions that appear controversial.
“For example, when the sacked Local Government Chairmen took us to court, we were determined to see the process through.
“They got a judgement in their favour, but we have requested a clarification to know whether all 33 LG Chairmen and the “illegal” LCDA Chairpersons should be paid.
“We believe that this is the prudent thing to do to ensure that the money is paid out to the right people. But these Chairmen have gone to another court to compel us to pay them without waiting for the Supreme Court’s clarification.
“So, when you read headlines like “Court Freezes Oyo Accounts In 10 Banks Over N3.5bn Debt.” This is really what it is about.” He narrated.