A socio-political group, the Oyo Political Equity Forum, has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of reneging on an understanding to support a Muslim as his successor in 2027.
The group said the agreement was reached during a’ meeting some religious leaders in Ogbomoso before Makinde’s re-election.
The allegation is coming amid speculations that the governor may have settled for Bimbo Adekanmbi as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Sunday, the coordinator of the forum, Alhaji Rafiu Akinwale urged Makinde to fulfill his promise to avoid political tension and mistrust among stakeholders.
Akinwale added that the Ogbomoso meeting was attended by prominent religious and political leaders, including the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and a former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Oyo State.
He said, “We are reminding Governor Seyi Makinde of the understanding reached at the Ogbomoso meeting before his re-election. At that gathering, influential Muslim and Christian leaders were present and there was a clear assurance that a Muslim would succeed him in 2027.
“The governor must not allow politics of personal interest or pressure from certain camps to derail what many stakeholders considered a gentleman’s agreement built on fairness, inclusion and religious balance.”
The group, however, said its position should not be interpreted as an attempt to promote division or religious politics, insisting that it was only demanding fairness and consistency.
It warned that abandoning the alleged understanding could create dissatisfaction among some political and religious stakeholders in the state.
“We are not fighting anybody or opposing anyone’s ambition. But agreements and political commitments should be respected. Oyo State belongs to everyone and trust is important in leadership,” the group added.
