We have been quiet for sometime on the Islamophobic tendencies of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, since he perceived the Muslim Community as having an agenda to oppose his government, out of mere animosity.
When his cabinet was composed of twelve (12) Christians and six (6) Muslims in a state with unarguably majority Muslim population, we kept mute as if all was well.
However, there are some contemporary issues in the state now and if not nipped in the bud, they can snowball into a crisis of humongous magnitude, though, very avoidable.
Not a few people, with little faith, said the death of virtually all the first class Obas during the first term of Governor Makinde was a bad omen. Those who passed on included:
1 The Olubadan of Ibadan;
2 Alaafin of Oyo;
3 Soun of Ogbomoso and;
4 Aseyin of Iseyin
By mere coincidence, all of them were Muslims.
The rumour mill had it that apart from Ibadan that has a succession tradition that is sacrosanct and beyond any government interference, the Governor had vowed to impose Christians in Ogbomoso , Oyo and Iseyin.
Unassailable facts have shown that the imposition of Pastor Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as Soun is one of the grand designs of Governor Seyi Makinde to perpetuate a Christian hegemony all over the state in the realm of Oba-ship
1. SOUN OF OGBOMOSO STOOL
Long before the government announced Pastor Ghandi as Soun, the rumour had been rife that he was the annointed choice of Seyi Makinde’s government.
In fact where the Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Taliat Ayilara got the courage to confront the Governor of his plot to appoint Ghandi against the wish of his family (The Olaoye family),is still a mystery. It was at a Ramadan Iftar organised by the Governor at the Government House.
Later the head of the Olaoye family came out and said Pastor Ghandi Olaoye is not in the radar of the family and one Taofeeq Akorede Olaoye is their choice.
When it was apparent that the government was bent on carrying out its impunity to impose Pastor Ghandi Olaoye, some members of Olaoye family went to court to seek redress against the government.
It is known in law that when an issue is a subject of litigation, it is subjudice to take any step. Yet, the government went ahead and imposed Pastor Ghandi Laoye.
So if this is not Islamophobia what is it.?
Vindicating our position, the selection and installation of Pastor Ghandi Olaoye was nullified on Wednesday 25th October, 2023, by an Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ogbomoso.
2. ALAAFIN OF OYO STOOL:
In the same vein Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo town, who doubles as the Head of the Oyomesi, the leader of the kingmakers, alleged that the Governor wants to impose Bishop Ladigbolu who is not their choice.
If this is true, is this not a Christianisation agenda?
Your Excellency, let the will of the people prevail. Hearken to the bidding of Oyo kingmakers. Doing so will engender peace and harmony among the people of Oyo, who had been living in peace from time immemorial.
3. ASEYIN OF ISEYIN
We are having no sleepless night over Iseyin since opposition to the appointment of US based Sefiu Olawale Oyebola is in the realm of murmuring. Since Oba Abdulganiyu Adekunle Salaudeen Ologunebi Ajinese II died on the 22nd of July 2022, the name of the new Oba had resonated loudly with the popular belief that he is a Redeemed Church Pastor like Pastor Ghandi, based in the United States. Since the Islamic Shari’ah unambiguously states that whoever professes to be a Muslim cannot be controverted not to be one, we leave posterity to judge.
But what is the attraction about foreign based Princes who are not in tune with the cultural realities of the people they want to govern, we may be wont to ask?
We are appealing to Governor Seyi Makinde to be circumspect of the yearnings of the people.
He should not throw oyo state into chaos due to his unmasqueraded antagonism for anything Islam. A Yoruba axiom states unequivocally that :
THE KING THAT REIGNED IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY, HIS NAME WOULD BE PRESERVED IN THE ACHIEVES , THE ONE THAT REIGNED IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF CHAOS AND ANARCHY, HIS NAME ALSO WOULD REMAIN INDELIBLE IN THE ACHIEVES.
The people of Oyo State have been living together for ages in peace and togetherness. We appeal to His Excellency, The Governor, to avoid taking steps that may bring about religious discord in the State. Remember, it is in an atmosphere of peace that meaningful development can take place.
Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni
Chairman
Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade
Secretary-General
