The immediate past chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, PASTOR BENJAMIN AKANMU has warned religious leaders in the state to distance themselves from politicians to avoid being used to cause religion crisis in the state.
PASTOR AKANMU who handed over to the new state chairman after serving in same capacity for more than four years described the good people of Oyo State as “one big family”.
“The recent allegations and attacks on the state government by some religious leaders and reactions or responses from some concerned individuals and government are unnecessary and counterproductive,” Pastor Akanmu stated.
“The people of Oyo State are one big family, it’s been so for a very long time that’s why we enjoyed interreligious marriages, our families move from one religion to another without suffering attack from families or relatives. Why should our people now harbour agents of darkness to cause problem in the state,” he queried.
“My years as CAN chairman in the state enjoyed great support from Muslim leaders, especially the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, including Edo and Delta. The peace we enjoyed in Oyo State during the last administration of late Abiola Ajimobi was due to solid relationship that existed between the leadership of the two notable religions in the state.
“Perhaps those alleging Gov. Makinde of marginalising or sidelining Muslims in the state are unaware of his relationship with the true Muslims in the state. Of course, it is obvious they are ignorant of the role played by the Muslim leaders, especially the Aare Musulumi in the emergence of Engr. Seyi Makinde as the state governor.
“How could you accuse someone who replaced late Kehinde Ayoola, who was a Christian with a Muslim as Commissioner for Environments and Natural Resources of discriminating against Muslims. Are Christians not aware of it? Our interest is good governance, which Oyo is now enjoying,” PASTOR AKANMU said.
“The governor has been excellent and very fair to all, and that’s why religious leaders are praying everyday for the success of his administration. It would be very unfair of us to allow politicians to hijack our religions for the purpose of disturbing the existing peace in the land.
“My advice to Gov. Makinde is not to be distracted by baseless accusations but remain focused and continue to balance his relationship and his administration’s commitments to every region and tribe in the state.
“Let me use this opportunity to condole with the state governor, Aare Musulumi and the entire family of our late brother and friend, Engr. Olalere Adigun. I pray God Almighty to continue His protection over his family. I also wish to advise Engr. Seyi Makinde not to forget the good advises of the late Engr. Adigun,” he advised.
