2027: Makinde warns against religion-based politics ahead of succession
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has cautioned political stakeholders, religious leaders and residents against allowing religious sentiment to shape political decisions ahead of the next election cycle. He emphasised the
- …bid Oyo hajj pilgrims farewell
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has cautioned political stakeholders, religious leaders and residents against allowing religious sentiment to shape political decisions ahead of the next election cycle.
He emphasised the need for unity in a religiously diverse society while speaking at a farewell ceremony for Muslim pilgrims at the Olodo Hajj Camp in Ibadan, ahead of the 2026 Hajj in Mecca.
The governor urged the intending pilgrims to pray for the state and the nation, noting that Nigeria is approaching a critical political period that will determine leadership for the next four years.
Makinde disclosed that some individuals had approached him, advocating that a Muslim should succeed him as governor in 2027. He, however, rejected such considerations, insisting that religion should not be a basis for leadership selection.
According to him, the people of the state should instead seek divine guidance in choosing a competent and forward-looking leader capable of sustaining development.
“Leadership should be based on capacity, vision and commitment to the welfare of the people, not religious sentiment,” he said.
The governor added that, at the appropriate time, details regarding the succession process would be made public, urging citizens to prioritise unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a move seen as an effort to ease potential religious tension, Makinde highlighted the state’s political history, noting that all three serving senators from Oyo State—Sharafadeen Alli, Yunus Akintunde and Fatai Buhari—are Muslims.
He further observed that the pattern is longstanding, recalling that previous senatorial representations, including those of Kola Balogun, Teslim Folarin, Rilwan Soji Akanbi and Monsurat Sunmonu, also reflected similar trends.
Makinde noted that the Christian community had remained supportive despite this pattern, stressing the importance of preserving religious harmony and mutual respect in the state.
Governor Makinde said, “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 will 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 them. The current three senators representing Oyo State are Muslims, including the senators who 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.
“This is a period leading to the next election. New leaders will emerge, and whatever decisions we take, we will live with them for the next four years.
"In our various houses, we have all religions present. So, people must not be forced into making decisions on the basis of religion."
Addressing the intending pilgrims, the governor expressed confidence in their conduct, describing them as disciplined and good representatives of the state, and encouraged them to maintain that standard during the pilgrimage.
He charged them to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria and Oyo State, especially as the nation prepares for the next general elections.
He later announced that Oyo State pilgrims would no longer need to borrow buses for travel, either in Nigeria or in Saudi Arabia, as he had approved the provision of two buses for the Pilgrims Welfare Board.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Ashim Atere, urged the pilgrims to act as worthy ambassadors of the state while in Saudi Arabia.
He highlighted the present administration’s efforts to improve facilities at the Hajj camp, streamline travel processes, and strengthen logistics arrangements for intending pilgrims.
“Oyo State is a pacesetter and a role model for other states. I implore our pilgrims to uphold this reputation,” Atere said.
He disclosed that all arrangements for the pilgrimage, including visa processing and health requirements, had been completed.
Atere added that 1,036 intending pilgrims from Oyo State will participate in the 2026 Hajj, with airlifting scheduled to begin on May 3 in batches from Ibadan.
