Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, have extended Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslims, urging increased prayers, vigilance and unity amid growing security concerns in the country.
Governor Makinde, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, congratulated the Muslim Ummah on witnessing the 2026 Eid-el-Adha celebration, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice.
The governor prayed for more years of good health and prosperity for the faithful and urged Muslims in Oyo State to use the occasion to pray for the state, Nigeria and their leaders.
Makinde also appealed for prayers for the government’s efforts to secure the release of abducted teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
He further called on residents of the state to remain vigilant during and after the Sallah celebration, stressing the need for heightened security consciousness in view of rising cases of banditry and kidnapping across the country.
The governor assured that his administration would remain committed to protecting lives and property while sustaining economic growth and development in the state.
Similarly, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, congratulated Muslims in Ibadanland and across the globe on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the monarch expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for preserving lives to witness another Eid celebration.
Oba Ladoja urged Muslims to go beyond feasting and merriment by reflecting on their lives and embracing the values of peaceful coexistence, love, compassion, faith and sacrifice to humanity.
The Olubadan also warned Nigerians to be mindful of their movement, associations and what they consume due to prevailing security challenges in the country.
The monarch, who is also the Chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs, called for prayers for political leaders, traditional rulers, Oyo State and Nigeria, asking God to restore the nation’s lost glory.
In the same vein, the palace of Soun of Ogbomosoland extended warm felicitations to Muslims worldwide, describing Eid al-Adha as a season that symbolises sacrifice, obedience and compassion as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
The statement, signed by the Ogbomoso Palace Secretary, Toyin Ajamu, commended the Muslim community in Ogbomosoland for promoting peaceful coexistence and contributing to societal development.
Oba Ghandi, however, expressed concern over the recent abduction of 46 students and teachers at Ahoro Esinele and Yawota Village in Oriire Local Government Area.
Condemning the attack on the learners and educators, the Soun called on Nigerians to pray for the immediate and safe release of the victims, comfort for their families and success for security agencies working to rescue them.
The monarch also prayed for lasting peace and security across Oriire Local Government, Ogbomosoland, Oyo State and Nigeria.
All three leaders emphasised the need for unity, prayers and collective responsibility in tackling insecurity and fostering peaceful coexistence in society.
