Eid-el-Kabir: Governor Makinde Celebrates New Phase in Oyo State

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, said the state now thrives better under his watch going by the level of political and religious tolerance among the people.

Makinde disclosed this while reacting to speculations that there would be a political clash among party supporters at the Agodi Eid Prayer Ground, Ibadan when faithful from opposition political parties show up for the Eid-el-Adha prayers.

While receiving the state delegation for Eid, the governor said the new Oyo State is one that allows for tolerance and love among the people irrespective of their religion, faith and background, saying the development is a direct change from what it used to be before his administration came on board.

He said: “When some people came to me yesterday (Friday) to say, there might be clash at the end today (Saturday) because we are in political season, I told them that I have a belief that Oyo State is now a new Oyo State where tolerance reigns. 

“The Oyo state that we have today is one that there is religious tolerance and political tolerance. There is tolerance among our people irrespective of where you are from, whether you are from Oke Ogun, Ibarapa, Oyo, Ogbomosho, Ibadan, we are all one and we see ourselves, first and foremost as citizens of Oyo State,” Makinde affirmed.

The Governor noted that in the present-day Oyo State, the citizens, the residents and government, are all on the same page for the first time because the government is making the desire of the people paramount to them and the people too, in return are giving unconditional support to the government.

The state Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Alhaji Siju Lawal, who led the state government delegation, urged the citizens of the state and the Muslim faithful particularly, to exhibit religious tolerance, be progressive and continue to support the government, so as to move the state forward.

Notable dignitaries

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who spoke through the Otun Balogun of Ibadan, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, felicitated all Muslims and called for peace during the celebration.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation and running mate of Governor Makinde in the 2023 governorship election, Bayo Lawal, charged Muslims and citizens of the state to always submit completely to the will of Allah, while living in harmony.

Members of the government delegation to the Eid ground are the commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Seun Asamu; Publicity Secretary, Oyo PDP, Akeem Olatunji, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Hon. Ademola Ige; among others.

Olusola Akintonde