Governor Seyi Makinde, Thursday, said religion will not be allowed to pitch people of Oyo state against one another on choosing his successor.
Addressing intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj from the state at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, Governor Makinde said the people of the state are one and will always remain one.
The governor added that he will not be pressured into choosing his successor based on religious considerations ahead of the 2027 governorship transition
He said as far as the issue of his successor is concerned, competence and continuity of good governance must come first.
“In Oyo state, we are all one. We won’t allow religion to divide us. 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 said.
Gov Makinde added: ” So, I have told those talking about Muslim candidature that we should not be stampeded into taking decisions on the basis of religion and I know they understand me.
“Whatever decision we make, we will have to live with it for the next four years. So, I want you to pray for our state and country.
“There is a lot of discussion going on right now on the choice of who would become the next governor.”
Gov Makinde urged the intending pilgrims and the people of Oyo state to pray for God’s guidance in choosing the next set of leaders, who would continue from where his administration will stop in 2027.