Governor Seyi Makinde has weighed in on the growing debate over who should succeed him in 2027, amid increasing calls for a Muslim to emerge as the next governor of Oyo State.
The conversation has gained traction in recent months, with various stakeholders, including market leaders, transport unions, traditional rulers such as Mogajis and Baales, as well as political figures, backing the idea as a way to sustain religious balance and inclusivity in the state’s leadership.
Advocates argue that Oyo’s political history reflects a mix of both Muslim and Christian governors, citing past leaders such as Lam Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja, Adebayo Alao-Akala, Abiola Ajimobi, and the incumbent Makinde.
However, speaking in Yoruba during a farewell ceremony for intending Muslim pilgrims held in Olodo, Ibadan, on Wednesday, Makinde urged caution, stressing the need for divine guidance over political calculations.
“I have heard that the next governor of Oyo state should be a Muslim. I want to beg you to pray that God should choose for us, because the mind of the king and chief is in the hand of God. God should choose someone who will continue the work we are doing and take it to greater heights,” he said.
The governor also pointed to what he described as a pattern in the state’s representation at the National Assembly, noting the absence of Christian senators from Oyo State in recent years.
“I have asked them to bring statistics, and at the appropriate time, they will share it. But presently, all senators representing Oyo State are Muslims – Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Yunus Akintunde, and Fatai Buhari.
“In the 9th Assembly, the 3 senators who represented Oyo are Muslims as well – Kola Balogun, Fatai Buhari, and Senator Teslim Folarin. Similarly, in the 8th Assembly, the three Oyo Senators are Muslims. They include Senator Ridwan Soji Akande, Senator Monsurat Sumonu, and Senator Fatai Buhari,” he stated.
The 8th Assembly covered the period from 2015 to 2019, the 9th Assembly from 2019 to 2023, while the current 10th Assembly, which began in 2023, will run until 2027.
Questioning the basis of the argument, Makinde added: “Is it only Muslims who voted that got them elected? Let’s be united. You should pray for the progress of Oyo state, and our prayers would be answered.”
His comments come at a time when political alignments ahead of the 2027 governorship race are gradually taking shape, with religion emerging as a key factor in public discourse.