PICTORIAL: Religious division failed in Oyo, Makinde says at Hijrah celebration

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful.

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Makinde, who made the remarks on Monday in a statement shared on X, said his administration had resisted attempts to divide the state along religious lines throughout its tenure.

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The governor said the support of Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers and people who do not subscribe to any religion had helped preserve peace and unity in the state.

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“It was my pleasure to meet with our Muslim brothers and sisters to mark Hijrah 1448/2026 on the first day of my annual leave.

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“Throughout our time in office, all attempts to divide our dear state along religious lines failed. And this was because of the support from Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers and those who do not adhere to any faith in Oyo State. We remain eternally grateful for this,” he said.

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Makinde, whose tenure as governor is due to end in 2027, described the celebration as his final Hijrah observance in office.

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He wished residents a prosperous and peaceful Islamic year, while praying that the administration that succeeds his government would preserve peace and prioritise the welfare of the people.

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“As this is my last Hijrah celebration as governor, I wished everyone a prosperous and peaceful year.

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“I also prayed that the government which succeeds us will be a peaceful one; a government where decisions will be taken in the best interests of the good people of Oyo State,” he said.

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Hijrah marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar and commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Madinah.

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