Oyo Tijaniyah Endorses Makinde For Second Term

…. Describes Bayo Lawal as pride of Islam

A popular Islamic group, Ja’maatu Tijaniyat, Oyo State Chapter, has endorsed the re-election bid of Governor Seyi Makinde.

The strong religious body with over 1-million members in Oyo state declared its support for Makinde during its meeting on Wednesday at the House of Chiefs, in Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

While welcoming the Deputy Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Ademola Abdulrasak popularly known as Omo Shehu, who is also a member of Oyo State House of Assembly and prominent leader of Oyo State Tijannyah, disclosed that the stakeholders summit was attended by representatives from the three senatorial district in Oyo state.

The Turaki Adini of Oyo State, Engr Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem Mogaji Adanla, who is also a prominent member of Tijaniyah, and one of the major stakeholders of the group in the state told the Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Barrister Abdul-raheem Adebayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde at the meeting that, it’s important for the group to reward Governor Seyi Makinde with their votes in order to be able to continue with his developmental stride in the state.

Adanla, who also serves as the Wakil Faedot Tijaniyah of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta as well as the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Grand Khalifah of Yorubaland, His Eminence Sheikh Muh’d Salis Alao Adenekan (R.T.A), also emphasized the need to thank the deputy governor for the cordial treatment and love shown to Khalifa Mohammed Mayi Ibrahim Niyas, RTA, the son of Maolana sheik Alhaji Ibrahim Niyas when he paid a courtesy call on him at the secretariat.

He said part of what Barrister Lawal did was that he sacrificed himself by leading the son of Ibrahim Niyas to the airport saying that the action really demonstrated his humility and projected him as a pride of Islam.

While stressing that the deputy governor is a man of his words, he disclosed that the group is ready to throw their weight behind the re-election of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Also speaking, the SA on Islamic Affairs to Oyo Governor, Imam Abdul Rasheed Abdul-Azeez thanked the group for their support and also emphasized the importance of maintaining unity among all Islamic groups in order to advance Islam in the state.

Abdul-Azeez urged the group to be united, adding that with the deputy governor’s presence who is also actively involved in the current government and a co-pilot to the Oyo state governor, would ensure that the needs of Muslims in the government would not be neglected.

A statement signed by Omolere Omoetan Senior Special Assistant to the deputy governor on media, made available to newsmen shortly after the program noted that the group placed some requests before the Government of Governor Seyi Makinde which include Bus for mobility, among others.

Responding, Bayo Lawal who was in company of Hon, Seun Ashamu, Hon. Abdul Rahman Abiodun, Alhaja Fausat Sanni and Hon Bode Ladipo commissioners for Energy, Education, Special duties and Health respectively, expressed gratitude to the Oyo state Tijaniyyah, for their support of Gov. Makinde’s administration while calling on the group to be united and work as one.

He said Governor’s sole interest is to govern Oyo state with the fear of God and create a peaceful and safe Oyo state for all and sundry, assuring that the government will continue to look into the interest of Muslims in the state.

“As a government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, we are more concerned about the welfare of our people and for everyone to live in peace which I am also part of.

“So, with this my age, I just have to be doing good. And like the clerics have said, Muslims must always remember that death is very close, and as such, we must be looking for a way to worship God in all forms.

“On your request before us, it is very small and we are ready to do it in a large extent beyond your knowledge, because many of what you have requested especially Bus, Hajj and Ummurah including having your members in government is already factored by the governor.

“Therefore, I am assuring you once again that whatever is your benefits would be taken care of, and you must know that our governor is also a friend of prominent member of Tijaniyah, Sanusi Lamido and will deliver your message to His Excellency for a prompt action.”

However, in response to Adanla’s compliment about how he treated Ibrahim Niyas’ son when he paid a courtesy call to the Secretariat, Lawal stated that since spiritual clerics are occasionally present, people must be able to accommodate them and treat them well.

“I have the opportunity to have a handshake with the son of Ibrahim Niyas when he came around and I know how happy I was to receive him and i am praying to see him again on the day of Qiyama.

“Thank you for paying a courtesy call on us and appreciating our government. We appreciate your support”, he said.

The highpoint of the event was the special prayer made for Oyo State and Nigeria in general by Sheikh Bashir Onipason who is one of the prominent leaders in Yorubaland.

Top functionaries of Oyo State Tijianiyat in attendance included Azeez Ahmed O. Sheu Zakariya Abadawaki, khalifat Salaudeen Keke, Sheik Bashir Onipasan, Hon. Abdullah I Abd- Rasal and Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem Mogaji Adanla.