By DAVID ADEOYE

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has criticised the religion card being played by some groups in the choice of the next go⁶hvernor of the state.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony for intending Muslim pilgrims departing for the hajj, Makinde advised residents in the state refrain from religious sentiments in choosing political leaders.

“This is a period leading to the next election when new leaders will emerge, and whatever decisions we take, we will live with them for the next four years,” he said.

The governor, who said that the nation was about to enter a critical political period, stressed the need for unity in a religiously diverse society.

He urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Oyo State and Nigeria in the Holy land and expressed optimism in their good conduct during the exercise.

Makinde tasked them to be good ambassadors of the state and country while in Saudi Arabia.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Ashim Atere, said that 1,036 intending pilgrims from Oyo State would participate in the 2026 Hajj.

Atere said that the airlift of pilgrims was scheduled to begin on May 3 and consecutively

He also said that arrangement for the pilgrimage, including visa processing and health checks, had been completed.

The chairman urged the pilgrims to act as worthy ambassadors of the state while in Saudi Arabia.

“Oyo State is a pacesetter and a role model for other states. I implore our pilgrims to uphold this reputation,” he said. (NAN)