By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Muslim community in Oyo State, has warned the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, not to plunged the peaceful ancient state into religion crisis.

The Muslim group also denied having an agenda to oppose the government of the present administration in the state.

A statement signed on Friday by Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, Chairman and Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, Secretary-general, the Muslim community accused Makinde of divide and rule over his appointments in the state.

The statement read in part: “We have been quiet for sometime on the Islamophobic tendencies of Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, since he perceived the Muslim Community as having an agenda to oppose his government, out of mere animosity.

“When his cabinet was composed of twelve (12) Christians and six (6) Muslims in a state with unarguably majority Muslim population, we kept mute as if all was well.

“However, there are some contemporary issues in the state now and if not nipped in the bud, they can snowball into a crisis of humongous magnitude, though, very avoidable.

The group highlighted the deaths of virtually all the first class Obas during the first term of Governor Makinde, saying was a bad omen, to include Olubadan of Ibadan; Alaafin of Oyo; Soun of Ogbomoso and; Aseyin of Iseyin.

“By mere coincidence, all of them were Muslims. The rumour mill had it that apart from Ibadan that has a succession tradition that is sacrosanct and beyond any government interference, the Governor had vowed to impose Christians in Ogbomoso, Oyo and Iseyin.

According to the statement, “Unassailable facts have shown that the imposition of Pastor Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as Soun was one of the grand designs of Governor Seyi Makinde to perpetuate a Christian hegemony all over the state in the realm of Oba-ship.

“Long before the government announced Pastor Ghandi as Soun, the rumour had been rife that he was the anointed choice of Seyi Makinde’s government.

“In fact where the Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Taliat Ayilara got the courage to confront the Governor of his plot to appoint Ghandi against the wish of his family (The Olaoye family), is still a mystery. It was at a Ramadan Iftar organised by the Governor at the Government House.

“Later the head of the Olaoye family came out and said Pastor Ghandi Olaoye is not in the radar of the family and one Taofeeq Akorede Olaoye is their choice.

“When it was apparent that the government was bent on carrying out its impunity to impose Pastor Ghandi Olaoye, some members of Olaoye family went to court to seek redress against the government.

“It is known in law that when an issue is a subject of litigation, it is subjudice to take any step. Yet, the government went ahead and imposed Pastor Ghandi Laoye. So if this is not Islamophobia what is it?

“Vindicating our position, the selection and installation of Pastor Ghandi Olaoye was nullified on Wednesday 25^th October, 2023, by an Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ogbomoso.

“In the same vein Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo town, who doubles as the Head of the Oyomesi, the leader of the kingmakers, alleged that the Governor wants to impose Bishop Ladigbolu who is not their choice.

“If this is true, is this not a Christianisation agenda?

“Your Excellency, let the will of the people prevail. Hearken to the bidding of Oyo kingmakers. Doing so will engender peace and harmony among the people of Oyo, who had been living in peace from time immemorial.

“We are having no sleepless night over Iseyin since opposition to the appointment of US based Sefiu Olawale Oyebola is in the realm of murmuring.

“Since Oba Abdulganiyu Adekunle Salaudeen Ologunebi Ajinese II died on the 22^nd of July 2022, the name of the new Oba had resonated loudly with the popular belief that he is a Redeemed Church Pastor like Pastor Ghandi, based in the United States.

“Since the Islamic Shari’ah unambiguously states that whoever professes to be a Muslim cannot be controverted not to be one, we leave posterity to judge.”

The statement stated that the people of Oyo State have been living together for ages in peace and togetherness, appealed to Governor Makinde, to avoid taking steps that may bring about religious discord in the state.

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