The Islamic Coordination Council (ICC) has declared that a Muslim should emerge as the next governor of Oyo State in the 2027 election, challenging recent statements attributed to Governor Seyi Makinde. In a statement signed by its chairman, Sulaiman Abanise, and secretary, Mas’ud Akintola, the council argued that an unofficial but long-standing tradition of religious balancing in the state’s leadership makes it imperative for a Muslim to succeed the current governor.
The ICC pointed to a historical precedent during the 2019 transition, when a former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo publicly stated that it was the turn of Christians to govern after former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The council also noted that only six of the 18 individuals who have occupied the Agodi Government House since 1976 were Muslims, reinforcing their demand for a Muslim governor.
The group was responding to remarks Makinde reportedly made at a farewell event for 2026 Hajj pilgrims. The ICC criticized the governor for comparing executive and legislative roles, especially his reference to past Muslim senators, arguing such comparisons ignore the unique power of the governor’s office.
“We are aware that the governor is sufficiently educated to understand the difference between executive and legislative roles,” the statement read. The council described the remarks as “misleading” and an “insult to the intelligence of the citizenry.”
The ICC also questioned the governor’s consistency, highlighting his 2021 decision to appoint a Muslim deputy governor after the impeachment of his former deputy. According to the council, this suggests religious considerations have previously influenced political appointments in the state. The statement further alleged that CAN was involved in consultations with Muslim leaders during Makinde’s re-election campaign.
The group warned that ignoring religious balancing in the 2027 succession could have political consequences, potentially strengthening opposition parties during the election.