Muslim community in Oyo urges Makinde to back Muslim gov candidate

Saheed Salawu

The Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS) has appealed to the state governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, to demonstrate “love and fairness” by endorsing a Muslim as the governorship candidate of his party in the next election cycle.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, the organisation recalled the governor’s past engagement with the Muslim population during his campaign, noting that he acknowledged their numerical strength and demonstrated support through symbolic and practical gestures.

These included the construction of a mosque at his campaign headquarters in Iwo Road and assistance to some adherents in performing Hajj and Umrah.

The statement also referenced the construction of a new Adogba Mosque, whose old site gave way to the building of a modern motor park, describing the move as one that addressed concerns among those who questioned the governor’s disposition toward Islam.

Despite these actions, the group expressed concern over remarks attributed to the governor at the flag-off of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, where he reportedly suggested that it was unnecessary for a Muslim to succeed him.

The community described the comment as “disturbing” and “incredible,” arguing that it undermines what it termed an established, though unwritten, tradition of religious balance in the state’s governorship succession.

Citing past administrations, the statement noted that leadership in the state has alternated between Christian and Muslim governors, referencing the transitions from Adebayo Alao-Akala to Abiola Ajimobi, and subsequently to Governor Makinde.

The group argued that while Muslims may have had significant representation in the Senate, the governorship remains a more impactful and visible office, stressing that the two positions are not comparable in influence.

The Muslim community urged the governor to “avoid destabilising the existing arrangement of religious fairness and equity” in the state by supporting a Muslim candidate within his party.

Such a move, it said, would reassure Muslim supporters of the governor’s commitment to inclusivity and dispel any perception of marginalisation.

The organisation prayed for the continued peace and progress of Oyo State and Nigeria.

The community described the comment as “disturbing” and “incredible,” arguing that it undermines what it termed an established, though unwritten, tradition of religious balance in the state’s governorship succession.

Citing past administrations, the statement noted that leadership in the state has alternated between Christian and Muslim governors, referencing the transitions from Adebayo Alao-Akala to Abiola Ajimobi, and subsequently to Governor Makinde. (Tribune News)