Islamic New Year: Makinde to declare Hijrah holiday in Oyo

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, declared that henceforth the state would declare Hijrah holiday in line with the yearnings of the Muslim community.

Makinde made the declaration during the celebration of 2021 Mawlud Nabiyy, held at the Remembrance Arcade of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

He stressed the need for the Muslim faithful and non-Muslims as well to continue to peacefully coexist.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor said the state will always rise above the antics of perpetrators of evil trying to plunge the state into chaos.

Makinde stressed that only peaceful and harmonious coexistence would lead the state and the country to greater heights.

He implored Muslim faithful in Oyo to emulate the peaceful way of life of the Prophet Muhammad by following his legacies, charging all residents of the state to live as one.

“Some are saying the governor does not want us to be celebrating Mawlud Nabbiy. That is not true. Last year, I believe we missed it. And 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.”

Makinde said his Special Adviser on Economy and the Director-General of Oyo State Investment and Public, Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPPA) briefed him on the need for the holiday but the matter could not be concluded.

The governor added that since the Aare Musulumi raised the matter again and from his consultation, which confirmed it was the wish of the people, he would declare the holiday from next year.

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.