Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged Nigerians to imbibe peaceful coexistence and religious harmony to enhance development in the country.
Makinde stated this when he hosted the former Emir of Kano, Sheikh Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, on Saturday. The governor noted that without peace, justice and harmonious living development might elude the country.
He praised Sanusi, who now leads the Tijaniyya Islamic Sect of Nigeria, for being courageous to champion the course of peace, unity and harmonious existence at this critical time in the nation’s history.
“In the South-West, we are so interconnected religion-wise that there is hardly any family you won’t see a Muslim and a Christian.
“It, therefore, comes to nothing for any vested interest to want to divide us using religion.
“Just as we in Yorubaland have learnt to live peacefully together, I will recommend that you preach religious harmony to all parts of Nigeria because that is a win-win situation for us all.
“As you journey through the country, preaching peace in your role as leader of the Tijanniya Islamic Sect, please endeavour to always impress it on our people to imbibe religious harmony,” Makinde said.
Earlier, the former Emir of Kano said he was in Oyo state to meet with members of the Tijaniyyah sect.
He added that he had taken it as his duty to do everything within his powers to preach peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
According to him, the Tijaniyyah sect, which he now leads, has a 70 million strong population and will continue to work for peace, unity and development in Nigeria.
