Senator Sarafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has pledged to run an inclusive administration that will give traditional worshippers and adherents of all faiths a rightful place and voice in the affairs of the state if elected governor.
Alli made the commitment on Sunday while joining eminent personalities, religious leaders and Isese faithful at the annual Isese Festival, which brought together traditional worshippers from across Oyo State to celebrate the state’s rich indigenous heritage and traditional worship.
A major highlight of the festival was a special Iwure (prayer) session organised for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria and Oyo State, with participants seeking divine guidance, peace and progress for the country and the state.
Addressing the gathering, Alli reaffirmed his respect for cultural diversity and religious tolerance, stressing that the strength of society lies in its ability to accommodate people of different beliefs and traditions.
He likened the diversity of faiths and cultures to “different colours of flowers in a garden,” noting that their differences should not become a source of division but a reason to appreciate the beauty and strength that come with diversity.
The APC candidate called on traditional, Christian and Muslim religious bodies to deepen cooperation and promote peaceful coexistence, saying unity among the various faith communities remained essential to the development and stability of Oyo State.
According to him, his administration, by the grace of God, would not discriminate against any religious or cultural group, but would create an environment where every community could participate meaningfully in governance and contribute to the progress of the state.
Alli assured Isese adherents that traditional worshippers would have a rightful place and voice in his government, just as members of other faith communities, describing inclusion and mutual respect as fundamental to building a peaceful and prosperous Oyo.
His message at the festival comes amid growing calls for greater recognition of Nigeria’s indigenous cultural heritage and a more inclusive approach to managing the country’s religious and cultural diversity.
The event also provided an opportunity for participants to celebrate their heritage, strengthen communal bonds and offer prayers for the wellbeing of Oyo State and Nigeria.
Alli, who is seeking to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde in the 2027 governorship election, has continued to position his campaign around the promise of an administration that would bring different interests and communities together in the development of the state.
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