Hijrah 1444: I will keep protecting the interest of Muslim— Oyo Deputy Governor

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulroheem Adebayo Lawal has assured Muslims in Oyo State that he will continue to upholds the norms and values of Islam regardless of the position he found himself.

Bayo Lawal revealed this on Sunday at Obafemi Awolowo stadium (Liberty Stadium), Oke-Ado Ibadan, while speaking during the 1444 Hijrah Grand Rally, which was organized by the Oyo State Chapter of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organization (NACOMYO).

He insisted that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has treated Muslims extremely fairly, pointing out that 9 out of the 17 serving Commissioners are Muslims.

The Ex-Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Oyo State, as well as the Former Chairman of Oyo Housing Corporation, disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde had worked to achieve balance in areas of religion, and that with his appointment as Deputy Governor, and Muslim representative, he would continue to defend the interest of Muslims.

According to him, I have been holding Quranic prayers in my house for the past 22 years. I find it amazing how people relentlessly criticize my religion in an effort to disqualify me for Deputy Governorship slot. However, I am aware that no human being is complete. I am prepared to improve on islamic matters.

He added that because of his passion for Islam, He initiated the reconstruction of the mosque at Housing Corporation even before he was named as Governor Seyi Makinde running mate.

“It would be extremely easy for me to be observing Juma’t service at Bodija mosque every Friday, but if I do, I won’t be able to continue building it.”

“I am a Muslim; I don’t go to church, and I’m not a christian. I can tell you that I will even be more involved in Islamic affairs now that I have admitted in good conscience that I have not been participating actively.

The Deputy Governor further stated in response to inquiries that the issue of hijab is a constitutional matter and that it has been settled. He claims that the Commissioner for Education is there and has heard the warning in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling.

Bayo Lawal equally gave them assurances that Oyo government would take swift action against anyone misusing the Oyo Terminal by luring drivers with alcoholic drinks which has the potential to endanger the lives of passengers.

“When we designed the terminal, our main concerns were convenience and security. Anything that would be a nuisance or endanger the life of driver would be strongly opposed,”— he concluded.

Bayo Lawal, who represented the Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde’, later announced the donation of Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2.5m) to support the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO), Oyo state Chapter.