Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday said he was advised by some people to treat Oyo people with iron hands, but he rejected it.
The governor spoke during the 7th Annual Omituntun Ramadan Lecture at the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan.
He said “Some people came to meet me that the people of Oyo State deserve to be treated with iron hands. But I am very sorry to say I am not wicked because I believe that if we approach the challenges, which we met on the ground tactically and calmly, it will be a manifestation of strength and resolution for us. That is the only way that every one of us can get what belongs to us.
“Of course, our country is faced with all kinds of challenges, particularly the issue of insecurity and ethnic/religious crisis. Farmers/herdsmen crisis also spring up almost on a daily basis but I thank you for not allowing all the challenges to affect our attitudes to those living together with us. And I believe this is part of why this state is still peaceful.”
Meanwhile, the guest speaker of the event, Prof Afis Oladosu, admonished Nigerians irrespective of their tribe and creed to live in love and harmony.
Oladosu, who also is the Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, also said the quest for a united nation will continue to be a mirage so long selfishness, injustice and sentiments are still found in the polity.
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The chairman of the occasion, and a former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, to pray more for the state and its governor.
The dignitaries on the programme attendance include Makinde’s deputy, Mr Rauf Olaniyan; Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Alhaji Abdulganiyy Abubakri; Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola; Islamic clerics, among other personalities.