Oyo State Governor Urges Nigerians to Transcend Religious Differences

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, a presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement in 2027, has urged Nigerians to put aside their religious differences. Speaking at a three-day conference organised by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Makinde emphasised that religion should not be a source of division in the state. The conference, held at Jogor Centre in Ibadan, brought together clerics, political leaders, and stakeholders from across the region.

Makinde shared insights from his family's religious background, revealing that his grandfather was a Muslim and that about 65 per cent of his extended family are Muslims. He stressed that Nigerians should not be divided by religion, saying, "We are created by the same God. Let's preach unity among us and not allow religion to divide us." The governor's comments come as the general election approaches, and he called on people of all faiths to foster unity and peaceful coexistence.

Leaders from the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland reiterated that their organisation is not a political platform and will not endorse any party or candidate ahead of the elections. Muhammad Abdullahi El-Ilory, the Chairman of the league's Board of Trustees, emphasised that their role is to pray for credible leaders rather than support specific politicians. This statement aims to clarify the league's stance on politics and its focus on spiritual guidance.

Jamiu Kewulere, the league's President, added that Islamic clerics should focus on guiding their followers and sharing Islamic teachings, rather than engaging in politics. The league's leaders aim to maintain a neutral stance in politics, focusing on their spiritual duties. The conference provided a platform for clerics and politicians to discuss issues affecting the Muslim community and society as a whole.

The event attracted dignitaries, including Makinde, Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM governorship candidate; Hazeem Gbolarumi, the PDP governorship candidate; and various notable Islamic leaders and traditional rulers from across the region. The gathering discussed issues affecting the Muslim community and society, highlighting the need for unity and cooperation.

Makinde's call for unity and peaceful coexistence resonates with the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland's emphasis on spiritual guidance. The governor's comments are seen as a significant step towards promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation in the region. By urging Nigerians to transcend religious differences, Makinde aims to foster a more harmonious and inclusive society.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. The event demonstrated the importance of collaboration between clerics, politicians, and stakeholders in promoting a more harmonious society. Key stakeholders have a crucial role to play in shaping the country's future, and events like this conference will continue to promote unity and cooperation.

Key points

• Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde urges Nigerians to put aside their religious differences ahead of the 2027 general election.