Oyo State Governor, ’Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the Constitution while addressing concerns over the implementation of Sharia Law in some South-West states, including Oyo.
Speaking yesterday during the 2025 Iftar Programme organized by the Oyo State Government at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor emphasized that his government would support anything in line with the Constitution.
Governor Makinde dismissed reports suggesting that his administration planned to challenge the establishment of a Sharia Panel in court. He clarified that the panel could serve as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, but the Constitution remains the ultimate authority in settling legal matters.
“I read in the newspaper that I would go to court for interpretation on the Sharia Panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position,” he said. “My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution.”
The governor further explained that the panel offers an alternative for those who wish to utilize it but does not replace the judicial system. “Even in our families, it is not every issue we take to court. When people have disagreements, the elders in the family try to settle them,” he said.
“Whoever wants to patronize it and feels it is an alternative dispute mechanism, it is okay. It will help the government and ensure that the cases going to our judges are reduced.”
Governor Makinde reiterated his administration’s dedication to maintaining religious harmony and unity in the state. He warned against individuals who may exploit religious differences for political gain ahead of the next election.
“As we move towards the next election, there will be elements that only think about the next election. But what we have done in this administration is to think about the next generation,” he noted. “People will come with all sorts, but I know that your prayers will see us through. Oyo State will never go back to the era of ‘do or die’ politics.”
Makinde also emphasized his administration’s long-term development goals, citing the rehabilitation of major roads across the state as an example. “Before now, previous administrations would come in, patch the roads, but during the rainy season, they get destroyed again.
“In our own estimation, we observed that most of these roads are 50 to 60 years old. So, we said we would scrape them, reconstruct them so that for the next 30 years, nobody would do anything on them,” he explained.
The governor expressed gratitude to Islamic faithful in the state for their prayers, support, and cooperation, attributing the progress of his administration to their goodwill. He also appreciated the judiciary, legislature, and security agencies for their contributions to maintaining peace and development in Oyo State.
Delivering the Iftar lecture, the Chief Imam of the Oyo State Government House Mosque, Sheik Adebayo Bello Rufai, commended the governor’s leadership and dedication to the people. “Allah loves Governor Makinde for his dedication, steadfastness, and good deeds to the people of the state,” he said, adding that divine rewards await him for his generosity, especially during Ramadan.
In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Bayo Oyero, praised Governor Makinde for consistently hosting the Iftar program and supporting the Muslim community in the state. He prayed for a successful tenure for the governor and peace in the state and the nation.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Oyo State Muslim Community, Alhaji Abidemi Siyanbade, and Professor Rasheed Aderinoye lauded Makinde’s administration for its inclusive leadership. They commended his recent allocation of land for the reconstruction of the late Rashidi Adesokan Mosque, which was affected by the ongoing Premier Hotel reconstruction, as well as the recruitment of primary and secondary school teachers.
In his vote of thanks, Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal acknowledged the governor’s leadership qualities and expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government.
The event was graced by notable personalities, including former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi.
Other dignitaries included the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice R.B. Akintola; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Tajudeen Abdulganiyu; Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni; Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr. Saka Balogun; Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheik Hashim Atere; Oyo State PDP Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke; and Oyo State PDP Women Leader, Alhaja Wulemotu Ibitoye.
Muslim clerics, royal fathers, commissioners, permanent secretaries, and other distinguished guests were also present at the gathering.