Makinde Marks Final Hijrah Celebration as Oyo Governor, Prays for Peaceful Successor

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has marked the Hijrah 1448 celebration with Muslim faithful in the state, using the occasion to reflect on religious unity and pray for a peaceful transition of power.

Makinde, who spoke during the celebration on the first day of his annual leave, said his administration had successfully resisted attempts to divide Oyo State along religious lines throughout its time in office.

The governor expressed appreciation to Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers and residents who do not identify with any religion for their support in maintaining peace and unity across the state.

According to Makinde, efforts to create religious divisions among the people of Oyo State failed because residents refused to allow differences in faith to undermine their shared identity and interests.

“It was my pleasure to meet with our Muslim brothers and sisters to mark Hijrah 1448/2026 on the first day of my annual leave,” the governor said.

He added that the support received from people across different religious backgrounds had contributed significantly to the stability enjoyed by the state under his administration.

“Throughout our time in office, all attempts to divide our dear State along religious lines failed. And this was because of the support from Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers and those who do not adhere to any faith in Oyo State. We remain eternally grateful for this,” he said.

The Hijrah celebration marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year and provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the significance of migration, sacrifice, faith and community.

For Makinde, the occasion also provided an opportunity to look ahead to the political transition that will follow the end of his administration.

The governor acknowledged that the 1448 Hijrah celebration would be his final one as governor of Oyo State.

“As this is my last Hijrah celebration as governor, I wished everyone a prosperous and peaceful year,” he said.

Makinde also prayed for the administration that will succeed his government, expressing hope that the next government would maintain peace and make decisions based on the interests of Oyo State residents.

“I also prayed that the government which succeeds us will be a peaceful one; a government where decisions will be taken in the best interests of the good people of Oyo State,” the governor added.

His remarks come as Oyo State gradually approaches another phase of political transition, with attention expected to shift toward the process of selecting a successor to the incumbent governor.

Makinde’s administration has repeatedly emphasised religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the different communities and faith groups in the state.

The governor’s message at the Hijrah celebration therefore placed particular emphasis on unity, rather than religious differences, as he reflected on his years in office.

Oyo State is home to residents from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, including Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers. Makinde’s comments suggest that maintaining peaceful relations among these groups remains one of the issues he considers important as his tenure draws closer to its conclusion.

The governor’s prayer for his successor also highlights the importance of continuity beyond individual political administrations.

Rather than focusing solely on who succeeds him, Makinde called for a government that would prioritise the welfare and interests of the people of Oyo State.

His message also comes against the backdrop of increasing political activity ahead of the next governorship election cycle, when residents will determine who takes over the leadership of the state.

As Makinde marks his final Hijrah celebration as governor, his message was ultimately one of gratitude to residents who supported religious harmony during his administration and hope that the next government will preserve peace and put the interests of the people first.