Makinde Questions Tinubu's Saudi Trip for Prayers

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde publicly questioned the purpose of President Bola Tinubu's trip to Saudi Arabia, where he traveled for an Umrah pilgrimage on October 28, 2026. In a statement shared on October 29, 2026, Makinde urged the presidency to provide clearer information regarding the trip, implying that prayers could be offered within Nigeria and suggesting there might be more to the journey than officially communicated.

Although he did not specify his concerns, his phrasing indicated a desire for a more detailed briefing for Nigerians. The statement garnered mixed reactions on social media.

Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Tinubu on social media, countered claims made by Omoyele Sowore, asserting that Tinubu's trip was solely for Umrah and not for medical reasons, noting that the president had undertaken similar trips twice in 2022. Dada also referenced Tinubu's recent public schedule to affirm the president's good health.