- charges Muslims and non-Muslims to embrace peaceful coexistence
- as state marks Mawlud Nabbiyy celebration
The Oyo State Government would from next year declare Hijrah holiday in deference to the yearnings of the Muslim community in the state, Governor Seyi Makinde said yesterday.
Makinde, made the declaration at the celebration of 2021 Mawlud Nabiyy, held at the Remembrance Arcade of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, where he also stressed the need for peaceful co-existence of all people of the state.
According to Governor Makinde, only peaceful and harmonious coexistence would lead the state and the country to greater heights.
He implored Muslim faithful in the state to emulate the peaceful way of life of the Prophet Mohammad, charging all residents of the state to live in oneness and be their brothers’ keeper.
On the request for Mawlud Nabbiyy holiday in the state, the governor said the request would be attended to at the appropriate time, saying: “Some are saying the governor does not want us to be celebrating Mawlud Nabbiy. That is not true. When S.A Islamic Affairs came to meet me that it will be nice to hold the programme this year, even despite the COVID-19 pandemic, I gave him the go-ahead.
“We agreed on the date to choose, which would be convenient for our Imams, Alfas and others and that was why we chose today. I even told him that it is better we are late on it than not holding the event at all. But now, we know what is right and the promise is, from this point forward, we will be celebrating the event at the right time.
On the need to declare public holiday for Hijra celebration, the governor said that the discussion has been extensive and that he had at a time summoned his Special Adviser on Economy and the Director-General of Oyo State Investment and Public, Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPPA) to brief him on the need for the holiday, he said that the matter could not be concluded at the end of the first year.
He, however, added that since the Aare Musulumi had raised the matter again, and following his consultation, which indicated that it was the wish of the people, he would declare the holiday from next year.
“For the first year, we could not have a landing. So, we continued with that discussion but since the Aare of Musulumi asked for it and because this is a government you put in place, we will be observing Hijra as a public holiday in Oyo State,” he said.
In his address of welcome, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Mojeed Mogbonjubola, admonished Muslim faithful to emulate Prophet Muhammad, stating that the prophet used his lifetime to propagate and preach peace.
He implored all residents of the state to support Governor Makinde efforts at promoting peaceful coexistence.
Similarly, Sheik Adio Akinlapa, who delivered the sermon, called on both Muslim faithful and believers of other religions to support the Makinde administration in achieving success.
Akinlapa equally commended the present administration in the state for its tolerance to all religious bodies in the state, saying: “For those who are angry about Makinde becoming the governor of Oyo State, they have missed it. God made this possible and the people must accept what the Lord has said so they can have rest of mind. Any house that does not have a good foundation will be destroyed in no time.
The celebration featured several events including Quranic recitations and special prayer sessions for those at the helm of affairs in the state and the country.
Government functionaries that attended the celebration included the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun; Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola and Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, among others.
Other dignitaries in attendance were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1; Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Ganiyu Agbotomokekere, the former state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu as well as the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Christian Wing, Bishop Ademola Moradeyo among others.