2027: We Must Not Allow Religion To Divide Us, Makinde Warns

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that several individuals have approached him, insisting that a Muslim should succeed him as governor in 2027, but he maintained that religion must not be allowed to divide the people of the state.

The governor made the disclosure during the farewell ceremony for Oyo State’s 2026 Hajj intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, held at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan.

Makinde said some stakeholders had come to him with the position that the next governor of Oyo State should be a Muslim.

However, he stressed that the people of the state should rather seek God’s direction in choosing the most competent and progressive-minded leader.

“They came to me and advised that the next governor in Oyo State should be Muslim. The people of Oyo State should pray that God should choose for the state and select a progressive individual.

“I told them to bring statistics for me, and at the appropriate time, I will share it. The current three senators representing Oyo State are Muslims. Including the senators that occupied the office before them.

Also, those who came before the previous people mentioned, the three of them are also Muslims. Is it the vote of only Muslims that brought them in?

“Religion can divide them in other states, but not in Oyo State.”

In a related development, the governor announced that Oyo State pilgrims would no longer need to borrow buses for movement either in Nigeria or Saudi Arabia, as he has approved the provision of two buses for the Pilgrims Welfare Board.

He also charged the intending pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria and Oyo State, especially as the nation prepares for future elections.

Earlier speaking, the chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Hashim Atere, highlighted the present administration’s efforts in improving facilities at the Hajj camp, streamlining travel processes, and strengthening logistics arrangements for intending pilgrims.

He noted that the first batch of the 1,036 intending pilgrims from the state would be airlifted on May 3, 2026.

Meanwhile, a prominent political leader in Oyo State and respected traditional chief in Ibadanland, Mogaji Abass Oloko, has declared that after the completion of governor Seyi Makinde’s eight-year administration in 2027, it is only fair and politically right for a Muslim to emerge as the next governor of Oyo State.
‎
‎Speaking on the growing conversations surrounding the 2027 governorship race, Mogaji Oloko, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, called for a balanced, inclusive, and pragmatic approach in selecting the next leader of the state.
‎
‎According to him, Oyo State’s religious diversity makes fairness, representation, and sensitivity to public sentiment important factors that political parties must not ignore if they hope to maintain peace, unity, and electoral success.

He noted noted that Makinde, a Christian, would by 2027 have completed two terms in office, adding that the principle of equity naturally suggests that power should shift to a qualified Muslim successor.

‎Mogaji Oloko explained that religion has historically played a significant role in electoral politics across Nigeria, especially in the south west where Islam and Christianity enjoy strong followership.
‎
‎He stated, “Politics is about numbers, inclusion, and understanding the realities of society. In a state like Oyo, where both Muslims and Christians are well represented, leaders must always consider balance when making major political decisions.”

The prominent traditional Chief maintained that this was not about division or sentiment alone; it is about equity, political stability, and respecting the diversity of our people.
‎
‎”Oyo State has enjoyed peaceful coexistence because our people understand fairness. Any political party that ignores this reality does so at its own risk.”