Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Wednesday, warned naysayers on the Olubadan traditional ascension process to desist from divisive statements, saying there is no crisis in the traditional system.
The governor spoke, on Wednesday, while playing host to Muslim faithful who are members of his cabinet and top government functionaries from other arms of the government, who paid him a visit at his Ikolaba, Ibadan, residence, after the obligatory eid prayer to mark the end of the Ramadan fast.
Makinde stated that the new Oyo State, under his watch, is known for unity, religious tolerance, and political tolerance which has led to development across board.
He noted: “I use this medium to greet us all on the celebration. We thank God for the privilege because we were all at the Eid ground today, if it were to be some years ago, there would have been chaos coming from the prayers. We are today more united and better.We went through that in Oyo State but we have a new Oyo State. We all went there peacefully to thank God and also returned safely. It is a new Oyo State.”
The governor, who said he was yet to receive any official communication from the Olubadan-in-Council on their nomination for the stool, warned those whose stock in trade is to fan the embers of discord to desist in the interest of the state.
He wondered why some people only focus on things that divide the state along traditional lines, saying there is no place for that under his watch.
Noting that he has been inundated with calls on disruptions of the ascension to the throne of the Olubadan, the Governor said he awaits the report and nomination of candidate from the Olubadan-in-Council from which he would do the needful in the interest of the stool and Ibadanland.
Makinde stated: “We want unity in our state. I have been away outside the country traveling to seek investors for the state. When I came back, people were calling me saying there are issues on Ibadan Traditional System. I asked them what the issue was. I asked them if they had done the nomination and sent any letter to the government, so I asked, why heating the polity?
“One of the lessons of the just concluded Ramadan is discipline. We disciplined our body for 30 days, and refrained from what seems beneficial to us in line with what God expects of us. So, no matter how highly placed, we must show discipline. If you bring a letter to me, I will take a decision based on what is in the best interest of our state and Ibadanland,” he asserted.