Protest: Makinde yields to pressure, removes his name from mosque

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for removing his name from the signboard of Adogba Central Mosque, Iwo Road, Ibadan in Oyo State.

The governor reportedly gave orders for the removal on Sunday, following Saturday’s protest by MURIC who criticised the governor for renaming the demolished but now rebuilt mosque after himself.

MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said on Monday in a statement that “Reports reaching MURIC’s Lagos headquarters say Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has removed his name from the signboard of Adogba Central Mosque, Iwo Road, Ibadan.

“Recall that Adogba Central Mosque was demolished by the Makinde administration in 2020 despite our protestations. The governor promised to rebuild it and it was recently rebuilt. But the governor renamed the mosque after himself and MURIC asked him to remove his name.

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“We advised him to delete his name and leave the mosque’s original name there. before the fast approaching gubernatorial election of Saturday, 18th March, 2023 in order to avoid protest vote from Muslims in the state.

“The state branch of MURIC has confirmed that the governor’s name has been removed from the inscription on the mosque which now reads ‘Adogba Central Mosque’. This was done yesterday, Sunday, 12th March, 2023.”

Akintola said that the removal of the name was reportedly carried out by some workers led by the governor’s media aide, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM.

“We appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde for complying with MURIC’s advice. MURIC may be radical but it is rational. We affirm that we are not confrontational or militant. Neither are we unnecessarily difficult to relate with once the relationship is based on mutual respect and once no attempt is made to trample on Allah-given fundamental rights of Muslims.

“We believe that the adherents of different religions can peacefully coexist in this country and work together towards making Nigeria great.

“May Allah continue to protect and bless Governor Seyi Makinde. We are satisfied with the removal of his name from the mosque. No more bitter feelings, no more distrust. MURIC will continue to pursue cordial relations with both government and private institutions in Nigeria as long as they continue to give Muslims their rights and dues and as long as they allow their actions to be guided by the principles of equity, fairness and justice,” Akintola said.