2027: Makinde excludes faith from considerations for choosing successor

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has made it clear that he will not be swayed by religious considerations when choosing his successor in the 2027 governorship transition, emphasizing that competence and continuity of good governance are his top priorities.

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This declaration was made on Wednesday, as the governor bid farewell to 1,036 intending pilgrims embarking on the 2026 Hajj at the Oyo State Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, amidst discussions about the religious identity of his potential successor.

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According to Governor Makinde, he has advised those pushing for a Muslim candidate to avoid making decisions based on religion, and he is confident they understand his stance.

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The governor noted that religion has never been a source of division in Oyo State, pointing out that families in the state have long coexisted peacefully with multiple faiths.

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Makinde stated, "For us in Oyo State, religion is not an issue, as we have all religions in our various families and have always coexisted peacefully," highlighting the state's history of religious harmony.

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The governor acknowledged the ongoing discussions about his potential successor, but stressed that the primary focus should be on sustaining the achievements of his administration.

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He expressed his desire for the pilgrims to pray for God to choose a leader who will build on the progress made by his government, saying, "The conversation going on is about a Muslim being my successor, but I want you to pray that God should choose the person that would sustain the achievements and the good works we are doing in the state."

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Makinde emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "What matters most is that we must stay united, as the progress of Oyo State is what is important to us, and I believe God will answer our prayers."

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The governor reaffirmed his commitment to resisting any attempts to divide the state along religious lines, saying, "In Oyo State, we are all one, and we won't allow religion to divide us."

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He urged the intending pilgrims to pray for the state and country while in the Holy Land, particularly as the election period approaches, and encouraged them to remain exemplary representatives of Oyo State.

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Makinde praised the pilgrims for being good ambassadors of the state and announced that he would donate a new bus to the Oyo State pilgrims in the Holy Land and another to the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) to aid their operations.

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The governor also promised to complete an ongoing mosque project and provide the necessary support for the pilgrims, wishing them a safe journey and congratulating them on their upcoming pilgrimage.

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Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Wahab Atere, had announced that 1,036 intending pilgrims from the state would perform the Hajj, with all logistics, including visas and accommodation, already secured, and airlifting scheduled to begin on May 3, 2026.

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The Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, and a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu, commended Governor Makinde for his continued support for the Muslim community and urged the pilgrims to remain focused and devoted during their journey.