In response to the criticism surrounding the remarks attributed to Oyo State Governor Engr Seyi Makinde during the Adogba mosque commissioning on Thursday, Executive Assistant Rev Idowu Ogedengbe clarified that the Governor’s speech was not intended to diminish the contributions of Christians in the last Governorship poll in the State.
On Friday evening, Rev. Ogedengbe clarified that the Governor had no intention, as rumored, to downplay the substantial support received from Christians during the recent gubernatorial elections in the State.
He emphasized that various branches of the Christian Association of Nigeria, along with both large and small congregations of believers throughout Oyo State, actively voted for Governor Seyi Makinde’s reelection.
I strongly believe that our Governor did not attempt to deny his widespread support from both the Christian and Muslim communities.
He aimed to convey that, despite facing a Muslim opponent, he garnered significant votes from the Muslim community, resulting in a historic defeat for his major Muslim rival in various locations, including his parents’ house, hometown, village, and polling unit.
Rev. Ogedengbe urges Christian leaders to interpret the Governor’s words as an appreciation for the Muslim community’s substantial support, despite internal competition.
He added that this is the way to view the intent of the heart of the Governor and not to see his speech at the inauguration of the Adogba mosque as one that was not appreciative of the huge support that the Christian community gave to him during the last election.
“Knowing that our Governor is a peace loving gentleman, I am quite sure that he will soon speak to make clarification on his speech which was not in anyway intended to stoke any form of religious conflict in the State.
We all can bear witness to the fact that we have enjoyed significant religious harmony and peaceful coexistence under the administration of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde.
He has promised to promote that atmosphere under Omituntun 2.0 just as he did in his first term,” he concluded.