Oyo state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde Wednesday tasked religious leaders not to allow religious fanatics to cause crisis among the religious organizations in the state.
Makinde who stated this while speaking at the Oja’ba Central Mosque during a special prayer to commemorate his 52nd birthday anniversary. assured that all religions will be treated equally by the present administration in the state under his leadership.
The governor pointed out that this became necessary in view of the fact that homes in and across Oyo state have members spread across the religions.
“In my administration, whatever is due to Muslims, Christians and traditional worshipers will be given to them equally without any bias or favour,” he said.
Gov Makinde however tasked religious leaders in the state to continue to pray for the success of the present administration and not to allow the religious fanatics to cause crisis among the religious organizations in the state.
“Concerning what Imam said about Alfa Oloore, there is no rancour between us. Sincerely, with what I saw at the mosque that first day, I would have ordered that it be demolished with immediate effect and the surrounding houses. But three days after, people told me that it was not only Oloore mosque we have such facilities and that some parents do take their children there”, he said.
The governor added, “I interviewed some parents at Sanyo Area, where we took them and they said they actually took their children there. I have to listen to what people were saying. So, when they talked to me, I asked them not to demolish the mosque again and informed the Police to leave Alfa alone. I also told social workers to go and inspect it because we need to modernise anything we do. The way they do things yesterday is not the way we will do them today.”
“We need to see how we can modernise the way we discipline and train troublesome children in such a way that when they grow up, they won’t be a burden to anyone or for the country.
Since that is the situation we have found ourselves, there should be regulations for those who have these kinds of facilities. Also, social workers need to always assign some people to take charge of activities there. That is the way it should be done.”
Speaking further, the governor urged religious leaders to always advise him as he is ready to welcome corrections when necessary, saying, “nobody is above mistakes, only God cannot make mistakes.
“What we are facing now is how we can make life comfortable for everyone and to develop Oyo State. We cannot do it alone. As residents and citizens of Oyo State, you cannot also do it alone. We have to come together, put hands on deck to achieve this.”
According to the governor, “they will twist many things but I am here today to tell you that I will be truthful to you, no matter the situation. Because I am not also above mistake, I need to make the engagements to continue. As a human being, I can make mistakes but it is only God who cannot. But we can correct ourselves if we get response on what is going on in the street.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abubakr Agbootomokekere, while speaking lauded Governor Makinde for his enormous achievements within 200 days in office and that he should continue with his good policies for the overall development of Oyo state.
