Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said he will not base the choice of his successor on religion ahead of the 2027 governorship transition, stressing that competence and continuity of good governance remain his priority.
Makinde made this known on Wednesday while addressing 1,036 intending pilgrims at the Oyo State Hajj Camp in Ibadan, amid growing debate over the religious identity of his potential successor.
“I have told those talking about Muslim candidature that we should not be stampeded into taking decisions on the basis of religion,” he said.
The governor emphasised that religion has never been a source of division in Oyo State, noting that families in the state have long coexisted peacefully despite differing faiths.
“For us in Oyo State, religion is not an issue. We have all religions in our various families, and we have always coexisted peacefully,” he added.
Addressing ongoing political consultations, Makinde acknowledged discussions around his successor but insisted that sustaining the achievements of his administration should take precedence.
“The conversation is ongoing, but what matters is choosing someone who will sustain the good work we are doing,” he said.
He also called for unity, warning against attempts to create division along religious lines, and urged the intending pilgrims to pray for the state and the country ahead of the next election cycle.
“In Oyo State, we are all one. We won’t allow religion to divide us,” the governor stated.
