By Abdulwaheed Lawal
As Oyo State approaches the 2027 governorship election, it’s imperative to acknowledge the longstanding gentlemen’s agreement between Muslims and Christians in the state. Given Governor Makinde’s two-term tenure, it’s logical to expect a Muslim governor to take the reins in 2027, promoting fairness, equity, and peaceful transition.
Now that we advocate for the turn of the Muslims to produce the governor of Oyo State in 2027, it is important to hear the arguments of those among us who may oppose the pursuit of fairness and equity in leadership.
As for the Christians, I doubt if they will oppose the rightful claim for a Muslim governor after Governor Makinde, a Christian, completes his two terms in 2027. This is because, Christians themselves demanded that Makinde be given the opportunity to succeed Ajimobi, a Muslim, in both 2019 and 2023, citing fairness—Ajimobi served two terms, so Makinde should be accorded the same. They argued like this before our Muslim leaders promoting these leaders to agree and convinced their followers who eventually worked for the victory of Governor Seyi Makinde in 2019 and 2023 respectively.
By 2027, the equation would have been balanced with two terms each for Ajimobi and Makinde by 2027. It’s logical to expect both Muslims and Christians to respect this gentlemen agreement for the progress and peaceful transition.
A similar scenario played out in neighbouring Lagos, where Christians insisted that Ambode should succeed Gov Fasola . Even when Ambode was denied second term, the Christian leaders insisted that another Christian should complete Ambode tenure hence Sanwo-Olu was elected to complete Ambode’s unexpired term. But as soon as Sanwo Olu completed his first term, they pleaded that he should be allowed to complete his full term, before another Muslim is picked to succeed him. Every stakeholders in Lagos politics know and respect this arrangement.
In Oyo State, we hope Christian leaders will honor this principle and support a Muslim candidate in 2027, reaffirming their commitment to peace and harmony. We will later acknowledge the Christian leaders who advocated for the rotation of the governorship between Muslims and Christians and who urged Muslim leaders to respect this arrangement to de-politicize religion.
As for Governor Makinde, I hope he will honour this arrangement in order to be respected and remembered as a statesman. It will be a disappointment if he is endorsing another Christian guber candidate in 2027, given the allegations of bias against him.
Additionally, two smart and credible Christian gubernatorial aspirants have shelved their gubernatorial ambitions for 2027 when they told of this gentlemen agreement. They said they would not deceive themselves . Their names will be revealed at the appropriate time.
The message is clear: any political party truly serious about winning in Oyo State must field a Muslim gubernatorial candidate in 2027.
Now to the Muslim leaders in Oyo State , this is a crucial test of our unity. Will you insist that only Muslim in Ibadan can be governors? Let us be guided by the Quranic injunction to uphold justice, even against our own interests, and advocate for a Muslim candidate from anywhere within Oyo State even if he is from outside Ibadan in 2027.
I know conscious and sincere Muslims will not disagree with this proposal. This is the time for Muslims in Ibadan to show other zones that we are all one by upholding this Quranic principle on justice and fairness.
Let us renew our commitment to fairness and unity for the progress of our state.
I advise the Christian gubernatorial aspirants to take a lesson from this and cooperate with the Muslims. We shall get there, when the faith of a gubernatorial candidate will no longer matter to us.
Barrister Abdulwaheed Lawal writes from Ibadan
