Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful.

Makinde, who made the remarks on Monday in a statement shared on X, said his administration had resisted attempts to divide the state along religious lines throughout its tenure.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi MakindeOyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi Makinde

The governor said the support of Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers and people who do not subscribe to any religion had helped preserve peace and unity in the state.

“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.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi MakindeOyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi Makinde

“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.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi MakindeOyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi Makinde

Makinde, whose tenure as governor is due to end in 2027, described the celebration as his final Hijrah observance in office.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi MakindeOyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi Makinde

He wished residents a prosperous and peaceful Islamic year, while praying that the administration that succeeds his government would preserve peace and prioritise the welfare of the people.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi MakindeOyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calling for continued religious harmony in the state as he marked Hijrah 1448/2026 with Muslim faithful. Credit: X | Seyi Makinde

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

“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,” he said.

PICTORIAL: Religious division failed in Oyo, Makinde says at Hijrah celebrationPICTORIAL: Religious division failed in Oyo, Makinde says at Hijrah celebration

Hijrah marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar and commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Madinah.

Hannah Johnson

Hannah Johnson is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over three years of professional experience in reporting, storytelling, and digital content creation. She blends traditional reporting skills with a modern, digital-first approach to journalism, producing content tailored for both web and social platforms. Hannah is skilled at turning complex topics into clear, engaging, and relatable stories that resonate with a wide audience. Her work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism.

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