A group, Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars, has called on Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to promote equity, unity and continuity in the state’s governance by endorsing a competent muslim within his political fold for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
The scholars, in a position statement made available to journalists, hinged their appeal on what they described as the need for political reciprocity, inclusiveness and the sustenance of the state’s long standing tradition of religious harmony.
They recalled that in both the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections, Makinde, a Christian, enjoyed massive support from muslim communities across the state, noting that Islamic clerics, traditional rulers and muslim voters in Ibadan, Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa and Oyo zones played decisive roles in his emergence.
According to the group, the voting pattern during the elections highlighted, the disposition of the Oyo state electorate to prioritize competence above religious considerations, adding that reciprocating such goodwill would further strengthen trust and cohesion among religious groups in the state.
The scholars also drew attention to the demographic realities of Oyo state, stressing that a significant proportion of the population, particularly in Ibadan, Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ibarapa, are muslims. They argued that, historically, more christians have occupied the governorship seat since the state’s creation, listing former governors such as Bola Ige, Omololu Olunloyo, Kolapo Ishola, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Makinde, while only a few Muslims, including Lam Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja and Abiola Ajimobi, have held the position.
They maintained that endorsing a qualified muslim successor would address perceived imbalance, reflect the state’s diversity and enhance inclusivity in governance.
On religious harmony, the group commended Makinde’s administration for what it described as a non-discriminatory approach, citing the approval of Hijrah holiday, support for Hajj operations, as well as government interventions in both mosque and church projects.
They added that the governor’s inclusive appointments across religious lines had contributed to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state, warning that such balance must be preserved through deliberate succession planning.
The scholars further noted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state derives strength from both christian and muslim blocs, pointing out that the muslim voting bloc was instrumental to the party’s victories in recent elections.
They cautioned that failure to recognize and reward such loyalty could result in voter apathy or political realignment ahead of the 2027 polls, stressing that endorsing a credible and widely acceptable muslim candidate would help sustain party cohesion.
While emphasizing that religion should not be the sole determinant of leadership, the group argued for merit within the framework of equity, insisting that Oyo state boasts of numerous qualified muslims with proven records in public service, administration and business who align with the current administration’s developmental agenda.
The statement also referenced political developments in other states and at the national level, noting that informal power rotation and religious balancing have remained veritable tools for stability in Nigeria’s polity.
According to the scholars, a proactive decision by Makinde to support a muslim successor would set a unifying precedent and forestall divisive campaigns anchored on religion.
They concluded that such a move would not only repay the trust reposed in the governor by muslim voters but also consolidate Oyo state’s reputation for religious tolerance, strengthen the ruling party’s coalition and cement Makinde’s legacy as a statesman committed to fairness and inclusive governance.
