The Office of the Special Assistant on Interfaith Matters to the state governor, has commended governor Seyi Makinde for what it described as sustained reforms promoting religious harmony and inclusiveness across the state.
The Special Assistant on Interfaith Matters, Reverend Femi Ibikunle, gave the commendation on Thursday, March 5, while speaking with newsmen.
Reacting to the successful completion of the 2026 Ose-Meji celebration organised by traditional religious practitioners in Ibadan, Ibikunle praised governor Makinde for the deepened interfaith harmony in the state through entrenchment of legal framework that consistently promotes peace and unity.
The governor’s aide said the peaceful and well-coordinated celebration was a reflection of the administration’s deliberate efforts to accord recognition and equal respect to all religions in the state.
According to him, the government’s interfaith policy has continued to foster mutual respect among adherents of Christianity, Islam and traditional religion, thereby strengthening unity and peaceful coexistence among residents.
Ibikunle noted that the annual Ose-Meji celebration and competition, organised by the Association of Adimula Religious Priests and Priestesses, Ibadan Chapter, in conjunction with the Ose-Meji Ibadan Foundation, further demonstrated the growing acceptance and institutional recognition of indigenous religious practices.
He added that the event, which held at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan, brought together traditional religious leaders, cultural stakeholders and government officials to deliberate on issues affecting cultural heritage and societal development.
Ibikunle praised the organisers for sustaining the cultural and spiritual significance of the Ose-Meji festival, describing it as an important platform for promoting Yoruba traditional belief systems and intellectual discourse within the Yoruba community.
He stressed that the Makinde administration remains committed to policies that encourage religious tolerance and cultural preservation, noting that every faith group in the state must be allowed to practise freely within the ambit of the law.
He also urged residents to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence and inclusive governance across the state.
Present at the event were representatives of the Oba Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), Olubadan of Ibadanland and Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Assistant High Chief Priest II Oloye Ifagbade Amosun, Ambassador Awoniyi Omorodoye Amosun, Baba Ijo, Ose-Meji Temple, Oloye Oluwo Ifatunde Oyebisi, Agbaoye Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, Araba/Olufase of Ibadanland; Agba Oye Ifadare Adekunle Adekambi, HRM Oba Ike Obaleye, and Yeye Tayese Awo Ile Ibadan.