Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, paid a visit to the residence of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Daud Akinola, where he declared that his administration has, in the last three and half years, been fair to all religions in the state.
The governor, who also received the blessings of the Aare Musulumi and the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, towards his re-election bid, said he will continue to serve the people of the state with fear of God when he is re-elected as governor.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the duo of Aare Musulumi and Chief Imam of Ibadanland commended the governor for governing the state with the fear of God as well as being fair to the Muslim Ummah and adherents of other religions in the state.
They equally commended the governor for the renovation of the Oja’ba Central Mosque, Ibadan, which they noted had been yearning for renovations for years.
They, therefore, prayed for the success of the governor in his re-election bid.
In his remarks, Governor Makinde maintained that he was assured that the prayers of the clerics would make him victorious in Saturday, March 18 governorship election, adding that there has been religious harmony in all the nooks and crannies of the state because of the prayers and support of the religious leaders.
The governor equally explained that when he is re-elected, his administration will be continue to be fair and just in relating with all religions in the state, saying: “As we have done in these last 45 months, we will continue to be fair to all religions.
“Whatever is due to Muslims, Christians and traditional worshipers will be given to them equally without any bias or favouritism. I have said this many times, but I will reiterate it here, that we will continue to serve Oyo State people with fear of God. We will serve without favouritism or bias towards any religious organisation.”
The governor added that equity, fairness, and inclusiveness would remain sacrosanct in his government, pledging that all the achievements recorded in the past three and half years would be consolidated under Omititun 2.0.
Governor Makinde also appreciated the support his administration has been enjoying from various religious organizations in the state, saying that the gathering at Aare Musulumi’s residence demonstrated unity and tolerance among the religious leaders in the state.
A special prayer was also offered by the Political Affairs Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State, Bishop Daniel Oluwajimade.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of the state, Barr. Abdulroheem Bayo Lawal, commissioners, PDP leaders; Oyo State CAN chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, Muslim scholars and Ibadan Mogajis.
Notable political bigwigs from other political parties, including the Accord Party House of Representatives Candidate in penultimate Saturday’s election and son of the immediate past Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abulazeez Arisekola Alao, Faruk; Dr. Ibrahim Ajiboye of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and a former Commissioner for Finance under the last administration in Oyo State, Mr. Abimbola Adekanbi.
