Just In: Governor Declares Friday Public Holiday — Here’s Why

Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration in Oyo State has announced Friday, June 27, as a public holiday for all state workers.

The Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has declared Friday, June 27, a public holiday in honor of Hijrah, marking the start of the Islamic New Year.

This announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday, June 25, by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo.

The statement urged Muslims and all residents of the state to celebrate the occasion with reflection on its spiritual significance. Governor Makinde also encouraged citizens to use the period to offer prayers for continued peace, unity, and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“All public offices and institutions in the state are to observe the holiday,” the statement confirmed.

Meanwhile, Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has claimed that the government fears peaceful protesters more than it does armed threats.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Sowore criticized the government’s ongoing crackdown on non-violent demonstrators.

“I strongly believe they fear placards more than guns,” Sowore said. “They can confront armed attackers, but they have no strategy or capacity to stop peaceful mass protests. A crowd holding placards poses a greater threat than a few people with weapons.”