₦airaland Forum

2027: Religion won't divide Oyo, says Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, assured residents that religion will not divide the state, stressing that the people are one and will always remain united.

He gave the assurance while bidding farewell to pilgrims intending to perform the 2026 Hajj, at the state Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, the state capital.

“In Oyo State, we are all one. We won’t allow religion to divide us. For us in this state, religion is not an issue. We have all religions in our various families, and we have always coexisted peacefully.

“I charge the intending pilgrims to pray for our state and country when they get to the Holy Land, because this is the period leading to the next election, and a new set of leaders would emerge.

“Whatever decision we make, we will have to live with it for the next four years.

“So, I want you to pray for our state and country. There is a lot of discussion going on right now on the choice of who would become the next governor.

“The conversation going on is about a Muslim being my successor, but I want you to pray that God should choose the person who would sustain the achievements and the good works we are doing in the state.

“What matters most is that we must stay united. The progress of Oyo is what is important to us, and I believe God will answer our prayers.

“So, I have told those talking about Muslim candidature that we should not be stampeded into taking decisions on the basis of religion, and I know they understand me,” he said.

The governor urged the intending pilgrims to pray for God’s guidance in choosing the next set of leaders, who would continue where his administration stops in 2027.

The PUNCH reports that since 1999, Christians have held the governorship for 12 years, while Muslim governors have occupied the office for 16 years.

There have been calls for the current governor, a Christian, to support a Muslim successor in the interest of religious balance in the state.

Makinde equally tasked the pilgrims to use the opportunity of their pilgrimage to the Holy Land to pray for both the state and Nigeria as the electioneering period approaches.

He also enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the state.

The governor, while responding to some of the requests of the board, promised to complete the ongoing mosque construction and also donate a bus for the use of the board in the state and another bus for the ease of movement of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia during Hajj.

Commenting on how the state pilgrims have always been good ambassadors of the state, the governor said, “We have been extremely lucky in this state, because our pilgrims have always been different; they have always been good ambassadors of the state.

“So, for the ease of the Hajj operations, I will give a new bus to the state pilgrims in the Holy land. I will also donate another one for the use of the board here. On this note, I want to congratulate the intending pilgrims and wish you a safe journey.”

Makinde also used the occasion to commend the Chairman of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Wahab Atere, and members of the board for the successful planning and coordination of the 2026 Hajj operations.

Earlier, Atere informed the gathering that 1,036 intending pilgrims would perform the Hajj rites from the state.

He appreciated Makinde for his continuous support of the Muslim community and the board towards a smooth 2026 Hajj exercise.

He explained that with the support of the governor, the state has secured the visas and befitting accommodations for all the intending pilgrims, who would be airlifted in batches starting from May 3, 2026.

Also in their separate goodwill messages, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal and former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu, thanked the governor for his unwavering support to the Muslim Ummah.

They urged the prospective pilgrims to remain focused, be good ambassadors of the state and perform the Hajj rites devotedly.

Other dignitaries at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; President, the state Customary Court of Appeal, Tajudeen Abdulganiyu; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Bayo Lawal; PDP South-West Woman Leader, Bose Adedibu; Chairman, Ibadan Airport Upgrade, Bimbo Adekanmbi; state Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Sikiru Sanda; commissioners and other top government functionaries.

Also in attendance were the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Imam of the state, Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere; Executive Secretary, Muslims in South-Western Nigeria, Wole Abass; Kamil Oloso; and members of the League of Imams and Alfas.

https://punchng.com/2027-religion-wont-divide-oyo-says-makinde/

The media is showing Seyi Makinde face more lately.

Is the rumor that he will deputize Atiku true?

The best governor of our dear state has spoken. United we stand in Oyo state

But your senseless comments can divide the state, His Excellency.

Bigsteppa:
The best governor of our dear state has spoken. United we stand in Oyo state

You and your governor should share the 30billion evenly to the victims of Bodija bhouhahah

The religion card will never decline, irrespective of state.

If a Christian will even perform better than him, its better he presents a Christian

Best governor in all ramifications....GSM Alhaji

The world in this 21st century is now more conscious towards religion. In Europe, Asia, Africa. What could be the cause.

This wasn't the case in the 90s and early 2000s when nobody cared about religion.

He is about to back a Christian candidate so he is whining the Muslims and hiding under coexistence.
Election Corner is here and now you are saving face how you treated Muslims at your State. You think we forget. Nonsense

Ogbeni stop yapping nonsense,how did he treat Muslims in Oyo state?

olayinka63:
He is about to back a Christian candidate so he is whining the Muslims and hiding under coexistence.
Election Corner is here and now you are saving face how you treated Muslims at your State. You think we forget. Nonsense

All this just because you are planning to present another Christian candidate that you're well pleased. No way! Let our people decide. As it's stand we don't even know the political party platform you will be contesting.

Says the man that divided Oyo with religion right from his first term.

Tell them o, this is Yoruba land

He get people wen go tell you good Morning and you go need check well again.

Bigsteppa:
The best governor of our dear state has spoken. United we stand in Oyo state

Best governor Keh??

You too dey hype DX guy

jamafa:
Best governor Keh??

You too dey hype DX guy

this is not hype bro, I’m not original from Ibadan but I did my Nysc there in 2023 and I stay there after. I saw the good works this is doing, I don’t just read them on paper.

In my own opinion, he outperformed Akala and Ajimobi..

Before you ask me if I was in Ibadan during the tenure of Ajimobi and Akala, I used to visit Ibadan during that period. I’m not a supporter of any party but I will give credit when credit is due.
Thanks

Bigsteppa:
this is not hype bro, I’m not original from Ibadan but I did my Nysc there in 2023 and I stay there after. I saw the good works this is doing, I don’t just read them on paper.

In my own opinion, he outperformed Akala and Ajimobi..

Before you ask me if I was in Ibadan during the tenure of Ajimobi and Akala, I used to visit Ibadan during that period. I’m not a supporter of any party but I will give credit when credit is due.
Thanks

Don’t mind him. I’m currently serving in Ibadan and I’ve been living there even before my service year. Honestly, the governor is doing very well.

That's why education is important