Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, the executive Governor of Oyo State has highlighted that the state will continue to enjoy religious harmony and remain as one.
The governor made this remark while speaking to the Oyo State Hajj contingent at the state Hajj Camp, Olodo in Ibadan, the state capital during a farewell event.
The governor kindly encouraged the intending pilgrims to pray for God’s guidance in selecting the next set of leaders. These future leaders would ideally continue the positive work of his administration beyond 2027.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
