Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, insisted that he would always ensure fairness and equity among all religions and the people of the state.
Governor Makinde, who was speaking at the 8th Day Fidau of the late Engineer Lere Adigun, an accomplished leader in the state, said that he will always be fair, without denying anyone his due.
According to him,” We will insist on fairness, equity for all religions, urging all residents to contribute to development of the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that the late Engineer Lere Adigun, who became his father and confidant in the course of their relationship, left a huge gap in his life, which he said will be difficult to fill.
The event, held within the premises of the deceased’s Oluyole Estate, Ibadan residence, had dignitaries from the state and government functionaries in attendance.
Governor Makinde also stated that the late CEO of Sahara Engineers taught him to be fair and not to be sentimental to any religion faithful in the state.
The governor, therefore, invited all residents and indigenes of Oyo State to contribute their quota to developing the state without bias and favour.
He also declared that the current administration in the state is open to ideas and constructive criticisms, adding that it was wrong for anyone to insinuate that he would be biased against any religion.
He said : “I am already seeing one of the lessons I Iearnt from Baba. For instance, MURIC is alleging that this government does not want Muslims to benefit from the dividends of democracy. Baba would have responded to the allegation if he were alive.
“But I am going to answer them now. One thing Baba taught me is not to be sentimental about religion and that people should be considered based on merit. And that is how this administration is being run. It will be like this until the tenure is over.”
He added that any position or benefit that each religious organization deserves will be given to them at the right time, saying: “This administration started one day, it will also end one day. Whether one is a Muslim or a Christian, it is whatever one deserves that one would get. That was what I learnt from Baba.”
While speaking on the late business mogul, Engineer Adigun, the governor extolled the virtue of the pioneer president of Ibadan Solidarity Group, stating that his memories will continue to live in his heart and those of others forever.
“This is the second time I have been asked to speak about our father, the late Chief Lere Adigun. But I believe we have all got over the shock that Baba is no longer with us. I have accepted that fate.
“In actual fact, whosoever we love does not die, he is always in our heart. And, in as much as we are still alive, we have our loved ones at heart. So, I have the belief that with the good works Pa Adigun did while alive, he will continue to live in our hearts.”
Some of the dignitaries, who attended the prayers include the Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abubakar Agbotomokekere and his council and the Aare Muslumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Akinola.
Others were: Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja; Commissioners for Education and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye and Chief Bayo Lawal; Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye; Chief Saka Balogun and Chief Bosede Adedibu, among others.
