*Dahud Makanjuola Akinola, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, supports calls for a Muslim to emerge as Oyo State Governor, in 2027, endorsing the candidacy of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli of the All Progressives Congress
Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect
Alhaji Dahud Makanjuola Akinola, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, has supported calls for a Muslim to emerge as Oyo State Governor, in 2027, endorsing the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.
Akinola said the governorship ticket should go to a popular Muslim candidate in line with an understanding reached between Muslim and Christian leaders in the state ahead of the 2023 governorship election.
He stated this Thursday, November 6, 2026, at a special empowerment programme organised by the Asiwaju Musulumi of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiu Oladejo Azeez Onimalu, at his residence, in Egbeda, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The Islamic cleric also noted the agreement reportedly involved religious leaders supporting Governor Seyi Makinde’s second-term bid in 2023 in exchange for an understanding that a popular Muslim candidate acceptable to both faiths would be supported for the governorship in 2027.
The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States described Senator Alli’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate as divinely ordained.
He insisted that the Federal lawmaker had received the endorsement of Muslims and Christians in the state.
Akinola urged residents to support Alli, expressing confidence that the understanding reached by the religious leaders would be respected.
He also commended Onimalu for his contributions to the growth of Islam and his philanthropic activities, saying his humanitarian efforts would not go unnoticed.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Onimalu said his foundation planned to empower at least 10,000 people, particularly unemployed graduates and widows, to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at helping beneficiaries become financially independent and reducing their dependence on relatives and acquaintances for survival.
The Asiwaju Musulumi also declared support for Alli’s governorship ambition, describing his victory in the 2027 election as assured.
The Muslim leader maintained that the reported understanding between Christian and Muslim leaders, in Oyo State, was binding.
He urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian organisations said to have participated in the agreement to honour their commitment.
Onimalu consequently, called on residents to rally behind Alli and vote for him in the February 2027 governorship election.