Makinde Urges Unity, Says Religion Won’t Divide Oyo Ahead Of 2027

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated that religion will not be allowed to divide the people of the state, stressing that unity remains paramount as preparations begin for the 2027 political transition.

Makinde stated this while bidding farewell to intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj at the Oyo State Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan. He urged them to use the spiritual exercise to pray for divine guidance in the selection of the next set of leaders.

“In Oyo State, we are all one. We won’t allow religion to divide us,” the governor said. “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.”

The governor also addressed ongoing political discussions about his successor, cautioning against making decisions based on religious sentiments.

“There is a lot of discussion going on right now on the choice of who would become the next governor. The conversation 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 State is what is important to us, and I believe God will answer our prayers.

“For us in Oyo 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.”

Makinde further encouraged the pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors of the state and Nigeria during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

“We have been extremely lucky in Oyo State because our pilgrims have always been different; they have always been good ambassadors of the state,” he said. “So, for the ease of the Hajj operations, I will give a new bus to the Oyo State pilgrims in the Holy Land. I will also donate another one for the use of the board here.”

He also promised to complete the ongoing mosque construction and support the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board with logistics to ensure a smooth Hajj operation.

Earlier, Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Wahab Atere, disclosed that 1,036 intending pilgrims from the state would participate in the 2026 Hajj. He commended the governor for his consistent support, noting that visas and accommodation had been secured, with airlifting scheduled to begin on May 3, 2026.

In separate goodwill messages, Deputy Governor Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal and former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, also praised the governor’s support for the Muslim community and urged the pilgrims to remain focused and conduct themselves responsibly.

The event was attended by top government officials, religious leaders, and members of the League of Imams and Alfas.