Governor Seyi Makinde has sent a resounding message of peace to the 2026 Hajj pilgrims departing from the state, vowing that religious unity in Nigeria, and specifically within Oyo, will remain a non-negotiable pillar of his administration.
Speaking at the formal farewell ceremony on Wednesday, the Oyo State Governor Makinde urged the faithful to maintain the state’s long-standing tradition of harmony as they embark on their spiritual journey to the Holy Land.
A Prayer for the 2027 Oyo Governorship Election
Addressing the 1,036 intending pilgrims at the Oyo State Hajj Camp in Olodo, Ibadan, the Governor linked the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage to the upcoming political transition. With the 2027 Oyo governorship election appearing on the horizon, Makinde tasked the departing citizens to seek divine intervention for the state’s future leadership.
The Governor stressed that the period leading to the next general election is a critical junction for the nation. He noted:
“In Oyo State, we are all one. We won’t allow religion to divide us. I charge the intending pilgrims to pray for our state and country when they get to the Holy Land, because this is the period leading to the next election and a new set of leaders would emerge.”
Upholding Religious Unity in Nigeria
Makinde’s address was particularly pointed regarding the current political discourse. He cautioned against the use of faith as a tool for political coercion, especially concerning the debate over his eventual successor. For the Governor, the focus must remain on competence and the continuation of his administration’s developmental strides rather than sectarian labels.
“Whatever decision we make, we will have to live with it for the next four years. So, I want you to pray for our state and country,” the Governor remarked.
He added: “There is a lot of discussion going on right now on the choice of who would become the next governor. The conversation going on is about a Muslim being my successor, but I want you to pray that God should choose the person that would sustain the achievements and the good works we are doing in the state.”
Supporting the 2026 Hajj Pilgrims’ Journey
Demonstrating his commitment to the welfare of the Muslim community, the Governor announced several significant interventions to ease the logistical burden of the pilgrimage. Beyond the rhetoric of unity, the state has actively invested in the infrastructure supporting the faith. Makinde promised to complete the ongoing construction of the camp’s mosque and pledged the donation of new vehicles to assist movement both at home and abroad.
“We have been extremely lucky in Oyo State, because our pilgrims have always been different; they have always been good ambassadors of the state. So, for the ease of the Hajj operations, I will give a new bus to the Oyo State pilgrims in the Holy land. I will also donate another one for the use of the Board here.”
Leadership and Coordination for 2026 Hajj Pilgrims
The Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Wahab Atere, confirmed that the 1,036 pilgrims are fully prepared for airlift, which is scheduled to commence in batches from May 3rd, 2026. Through the Governor’s support, the board has already secured necessary visas and high-quality accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
The farewell event was a gathering of the state’s political and religious elite, including Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal and the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere. The consensus among the speakers was clear: the 2026 Hajj pilgrims carry not just their personal prayers to Mecca, but the collective hopes of a state striving to remain a beacon of religious unity in Nigeria.
“What matters most is that we must stay united,” Makinde concluded. “The progress of Oyo State is what is important to us, and I believe God will answer our prayers.”
