Oyo Governor: Religion Won't Divide Us

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has delivered a powerful message of unity, urging the people of his state to resist any attempts to sow division along religious lines. Speaking at the state's Hajj Camp in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized that unity and progress are paramount for Oyo State, especially as the nation approaches another election cycle.

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In Oyo State, we are all one. We won’t allow religion to divide us. 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 will emerge.

His address to pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey to the Holy Land was a call to prayer, not just for personal guidance but for the collective future of Oyo and Nigeria. The governor specifically asked them to pray for the emergence of leaders who will continue the good work of his administration and sustain the state's achievements. This plea comes at a time when discussions about the upcoming gubernatorial election are intensifying, with Makinde advocating for decisions based on merit and the state's welfare, rather than religious affiliation.

Makinde's stance is particularly significant in Nigeria's diverse religious landscape. He highlighted that in Oyo State, religious coexistence is not just a concept but a lived reality, with different faiths often intertwined within families. He firmly stated that religion should not be a basis for political decisions, pushing back against any attempts to polarize the electorate.

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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.

As a gesture of support for the Hajj operations, Governor Makinde pledged to provide new buses for pilgrims, both within the state and for use in Saudi Arabia. He also committed to completing the ongoing mosque construction, demonstrating his administration's dedication to supporting religious activities and fostering an environment of inclusivity. This commitment reinforces his administration's focus on development and unity, ensuring that all communities feel represented and supported.

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For us in this state, religion is not an issue. We have all religions in our various families, and we have always coexisted peacefully. 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.