League of Imams and Alfas in Irepo Local Government, Kishi have expressed their profound gratitude to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for picking one of their sons as his running mate in the 2023 general election.
The Imams stated this on Monday while paying a congratulatory visit to the new Deputy Governor of Oyo State and running mate to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for the 2023 governorship election, Barr. Abdul Raheem Adebayo Lawal, at his office in Agodi Secretariat.
While pledging their support to the ‘Seyi Makinde/Bayo Lawalticket, the religious leaders assures His Excellency of massive votes compensation.
They went ahead to describe Lawal as a good muslim who does not advertise his religion for pecuniary gain.
They maintained that there is every reason for them to express their profound gratitude to the governor and to celebrate the goodness of God, pointing out that the continuous engagement of League of Imams and Alfas in prayers for the governor to have identified with the people of Kishi, has ultimately proved that with God all things are possible.
In his address, the Vice Chairman of Irepo League of Imams, Alhaji Arimiyau Shuaib Kewujina, noted that the entire Muslims in Kishi see the new deputy governor, Bayo Lawal as a shining star in Irepo Local Government, Kishi; who is tested and trusted, praying that God should continue to guide him.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal commended the League of Imams for sailing on the long journey to congratulate him even without his awareness.
He said: “I really appreciate you for the visit. I am grateful. You have just proved to the world that I am one of your Muslim brothers. I appreciate that.
“When I was nominated by His Excellency, some people started with their several attacks. They said I am not a Muslim. Like I said on Friday at Oja’oba, Central Mosque, I am not an Alfa but I will always queue behind Imams during obligatory prayers. The issue of religion is so distasteful, but just to discredit me, they onslaught attack in different angle.
“I am happy that the League of Imams traveled far distance to identify with me which is an indication that I’m a practising Muslim. But I am not the one that make noise with my religion because Allah doesn’t like who shows off. I pray that our good intention will make a progressive headway”, he stated.
The Deputy Governor further stressed that he’s not bothered when people tongue lash about his faith.
“As far as my faith is concerned, I am not accountable to any human being but accountable to my creator, Almighty Allah. I have decided to leave whoever that says anything about my religion to his/her conscience and Almighty Allah to judge”, he said.
Finally, he solicited for prayers for the government of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde on one hand, and asked the entire people of Oke Ogun to vote massively for Peoples Democratic Party in the forth coming election.
He appealed to everyone in the entire Oke-Ogun to support the re-election of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde with strong determination and intention, just as he also urged them to strive for enduring legacies.