Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that several individuals have approached him, insisting that a Muslim should succeed him as governor in 2027, but he maintained that religion must not be allowed to divide the people of the state.
The governor made the disclosure during the farewell ceremony for Oyo State’s 2026 Hajj intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, held at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan.
Makinde said some stakeholders had come to him with the position that the next governor of Oyo State should be a Muslim. However, he stressed that the people of the state should rather seek God’s direction in choosing the most competent and progressive-minded leader.
According to him, leadership should not be determined by religious sentiment, but by capacity, vision, and commitment to the welfare of the people.
He said the people of Oyo State should pray that God chooses for the state a worthy successor who will sustain development and continue to serve the people diligently.
Makinde added that at the appropriate time, relevant facts and discussions surrounding the succession process would be made public, while urging citizens to remain focused on unity and peaceful coexistence.
Quoting part of his remarks, the governor 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 should 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 it.
“The current three senators representing Oyo State are Muslims, including the senators that 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.”
In a related development, the governor announced that Oyo State pilgrims would no longer need to borrow buses for movement either in Nigeria or Saudi Arabia, as he has approved the provision of two buses for the Pilgrims Welfare Board.
He also charged the intending pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria and Oyo State, especially as the nation prepares for future elections.
Earlier speaking, the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Hashim Atere, highlighted the present administration’s efforts in improving facilities at the Hajj camp, streamlining travel processes, and strengthening logistics arrangements for intending pilgrims.
He noted that the first batch of the 1,036 intending pilgrims from the state would be airlifted on May 3, 2026.
