A socio-political group, the Oyo Political Equity Forum, has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of reneging on an alleged agreement to support a Muslim successor in the 2027 governorship election in the state. The group said the purported agreement was reached during a pre-election meeting held in Ogbomoso involving some religious and political leaders ahead of the governor's second-term bid.
Alleged Agreement for Religious Balance
According to the group, the understanding was part of efforts to promote fairness, inclusion, and religious balance in the state's political leadership structure. Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the coordinator of the forum, Alhaji Rafiu Akinwale, urged Governor Makinde to honour what he described as a gentleman's agreement to avoid political tension and mistrust among key stakeholders.
Details of the Ogbomoso Meeting
Akinwale claimed that the Ogbomoso meeting was attended by influential figures, including religious leaders and political stakeholders such as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and a former Oyo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria. “We are reminding Governor Seyi Makinde of the understanding reached at the Ogbomoso meeting before his re-election. At that gathering, influential Muslim and Christian leaders were present and there was a clear assurance that a Muslim would succeed him in 2027,” he said.
He added that the group's position was not intended to create religious division or political tension but to ensure that political commitments made in good faith are respected. “The governor must not allow politics of personal interest or pressure from certain camps to derail what many stakeholders considered a gentleman's agreement built on fairness, inclusion and religious balance,” Akinwale added.
Warning Against Deviation
The group warned that any deviation from the alleged understanding could trigger dissatisfaction among political and religious stakeholders in the state. “We are not fighting anybody or opposing anyone's ambition. But agreements and political commitments should be respected. Oyo State belongs to everyone and trust is important in leadership,” it said.
There has been growing political speculation in recent weeks over possible successors to Governor Makinde ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with some names already being mentioned in political circles. However, the state government has not officially responded to the latest allegation at the time of filing this report.
