2026 Eid-el-Kabir : Seyi Makinde Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity Beyond Ethnic, Religious Lines
By Adewale Owoade
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has charged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians at large to de-emphasise ethnic and religious differences and instead focus on the shared values that unite the people.
The governor stated this on Wednesday while receiving a Muslim delegation that paid him a homage at his Ikolaba private residence shortly after the Eid al-Adha prayers held at the Agodi Eid Ground, Gate, Ibadan.
Addressing the delegation, Makinde congratulated Muslim faithful on witnessing the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration and appreciated them for their prayers, support and commitment to the progress of the state.
He also thanked them for their continued support for his administration over the past seven years and urged them to sustain their prayers for the success of the government.
Makinde, who noted that the general elections would hold within the next eight months, called on politicians and citizens alike to place the interest of Oyo State and Nigeria above partisan considerations.
Speaking on the security challenges confronting the state, particularly the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area, the governor assured families of the victims that the government was working tirelessly to secure their safe return.
Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, who led the delegation, commended the governor for what he described as purposeful and visionary leadership.
He said Makinde’s style of governance had continued to attract recognition beyond Oyo State, describing him as a strong political force in the country.
Lawal urged residents, particularly Muslim faithful, to continue praying for the success of the administration and for lasting peace in the state, stressing that the government needed the support, understanding and prayers of the people to further deepen stability, unity and prosperity in Oyo State.
Also offering prayers for the governor, Professor Kamil Oloso prayed for more success for the administration and expressed appreciation on behalf of the Muslim community for the governor’s unwavering support.
The delegation included the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin; and member representing Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide.
Others were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Commissioner for Works, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola; Commissioner for Establishments, Prof. Solihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Mikal Bayo Lawal; Chairman of All Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola; Oloye Nureni Akanbi; and Hon. Tunde Tijani, among other dignitaries.