No Cause for Alarm on Next Olubadan, Makinde Assures

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that there is no cause for alarm over the selection of the next Olubadan. Makinde warned individuals peddling divisive tendencies over the matter to desist from such acts.

The governor maintained that the due process on the matter included the nomination of the next Olubadan by the Olubadan-in-Council and the forwarding of the same to his office, which was yet to be done.

Makinde spoke when the deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, led Muslim government representatives and other functionaries on a courtesy visit to the governor’s Ikolaba residence, shortly after praying at the Eid Praying Ground, Agodi, Ibadan.

He added that once the Ibadan Chieftaincy System ran its full course, the government would take the necessary decision in the best interest of Ibadanland and Oyo State.

Makinde said, “Some people have kept talking about the Ibadan Chieftaincy System, saying it has got issues and all of that.

“But I said the Obas-in-Council are yet to make their nomination. When they make it, it will come to me and I will either say yes or no. But that has not happened. So, why are people focusing on things that are capable of dividing us?

“Those whose stock in trade is to keep looking for what to divide us should look for something else to do. They should rather focus on things that will unite us.”

Makinde congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the 30 days Ramadan fast, and appreciated them for their support and for the peace and harmony being enjoyed in the state.

Stating that the new Oyo State was renowned for peace, unity and harmony, the governor admonished individuals bent on dividing the state with religion to take their trade elsewhere.

He charged the people of the state to imbibe discipline as one of the lessons learnt in the month of Ramadan.

He said, “I want to use this opportunity to greet our Muslim brothers and sisters and to wish all of us a happy Eid-el-fitri celebration.

“One of the lessons of Ramadan is discipline, because for these last 30 days, we disciplined our bodies. Though the body was seeking nutrients and food, we said no for the duration of the fasting. So, it is a lesson we have to imbibe in our daily life.

“We should also use this experience to settle our differences with people around us. We are all together and united now, as it is a new Oyo State where everybody is coming on board.

“Those whose stock-in-trade is to keep looking for what to divide us should look for something else to do. They should rather focus on things that will unite us.”

Speaking on the forthcoming local government election in the state, slated for April 27, Makinde charged the electorate to go out en masse and vote for their leaders at the grassroots.