Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide (Odidiomo) has donated 18.5 million naira to Christian and Muslim groups to promote Oyo religious harmony.
The Oyo South senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) and member, who represents the Ibadan North-west/Ibadan South-west federal constituency of Oyo state in the House of Representatives, distributed the funds across three distinct religious projects on Saturday.
The cash injections come amid heightened scrutiny over how political figures interact with local faith leaders ahead of the Oyo South senatorial contest.
Religious Harmony: Financing faith in a fractured political climate
The funding includes 10 million naira for the expansion of the Orisunmibare/Akilapa central mosque in Bodija market, Ibadan, and 3.5 million naira to the Ifedapo Muslim community for land acquisition.
To balance the Islamic funding, Olajide allocated 5 million naira to the Christ Power Evangelical Mission, a Christian ministry led by Reverend P.F. Owa.
The cross-sectarian nature of the donations highlights an intentional effort to court a diverse electorate in a region historically sensitive to religious balancing.
Systemic dependency on religious institutions
In the absence of robust state-funded social safety nets, politicians increasingly rely on religious bodies to act as intermediaries for community welfare and civic stability.
Olajide framed the expenditure as a necessary civic intervention rather than a political strategy, arguing that faith-based organisations are essential to maintaining the state’s social fabric.
“I have always believed that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Whether muslim or christian, every faith based organisation contributes immensely to the moral and social development of our society. Supporting these institutions is, ultimately, an investment in responsible citizenship and sustainable community development,” he stated.
Representatives from both the beneficiary mosques and the church confirmed receipt of the funds, welcoming the financial relief amid broader national economic pressures.
