Makinde Lauds Oyo Muslim Community for Supporting His Administration

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed his gratitude to the Muslim community in the state for their unwavering support and significant contributions to the development of Oyo State since his assumption of office. He made these remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Muslim Community of Oyo State, led by Alhaji Kunle Sanni, at the Executive Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde further demonstrated his appreciation by donating a bus to the community to aid the propagation of Islamic values and activities. He urged the community to continue fostering unity and resisting efforts to sow division within the state based on religion or politics. This was disclosed in a press release signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, dated December 24, 2024.

The governor remarked, “Since 2019, some of the most impactful governance advice I have received has come from Muslim leaders. I focus on quality and balance in appointments, which is evident in the key positions held by Muslims in my administration, including the Commissioner for Education, the SUBEB Chairman, and the Chairman of the Education Trust Fund.”

Addressing concerns over alleged imbalances in appointments, Governor Makinde clarified the strategic restructuring of certain portfolios and emphasized that merit and quality remain his guiding principles. He stated, “We must resist any attempts to divide us along religious or political lines. Unity is essential for the progress of Oyo State.”

Regarding the re-emergence of debates about Sharia courts in the state, the governor reiterated his commitment to upholding the law and the constitution, emphasizing that governance under his watch would not be swayed by divisive political tactics.

Governor Makinde expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives during a stampede at Islamic High School, describing the event as avoidable and deeply regrettable. He assured the public that justice would prevail, irrespective of personal relationships, and pledged to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“Injustice will not stand under my administration. We must remain fair to all while striving to build systems that ensure accountability and prevent avoidable tragedies,” the governor said.

Alhaji Kunle Sanni, leader of the Muslim Community, commended the governor for his contributions to education, including the recruitment of teachers across schools in the state. He urged Governor Makinde to increase the number of subject teachers and enhance the inclusion of religious studies to combat moral decay in schools.

The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; Chief Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, wife of a former Oyo Governor; and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, a former Speaker of the House of Assembly. Others included the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; PDP Southwest Women Leader, Alhaja Bose Adedibu; and other notable government officials and Muslim leaders.