Wike left law school in 1997, and his first political job was as a local government chairman-Dare Adeleke

According to a report by the Punch on Thursday, December 25, 2025, the political rift between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has escalated into a highly personal and public confrontation, with their aides engaging in a bitter war of words over the origins and legitimacy of their principals’ careers and wealth.

The conflict intensified after Governor Makinde, during a recent media interaction, referenced his early business success, specifically noting that his company earned a million-dollar contract from Mobil in 1997. This remark, which implicitly contrasted his entrepreneurial start with Wike’s early professional life, was perceived as a slight by Wike’s camp, triggering a retaliatory offensive.

Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, launched a series of social media posts mocking Makinde’s claims, questioning the veracity of his business achievements and pointing to his reportedly modest living conditions years after the alleged lucrative deal. Olayinka’s insinuation was clear: Makinde’s narrative did not align with his observable lifestyle, thereby casting doubt on his credibility. This personal attack shifted the discourse entirely, moving it from a debate over political differences to a direct assault on character and personal history, demanding a forceful response from Makinde’s team.

In a detailed and pointed rebuttal, Makinde’s Special Adviser, Dare Adeleke, mounted a robust defense aimed at discrediting Olayinka and elevating Makinde’s pre-political accomplishments. A key part of his strategy was to draw a stark contrast between the two men’s career foundations.

Adeleke highlighted the timeline, stating, “Wike left law school in 1997, and his first political job was as a local government chairman.” This statement was deployed to underscore that while Wike was beginning his climb within the political structure, Makinde was already an established business figure executing significant oil and gas contracts across West Africa and building a substantial private portfolio.