The Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) has opened website for effective organisation of this year's hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The board's chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Akeugberu (Akewugbagold) said in Ibadan on Sunday explained that going through the internet was to curb irregularities that always associated with the yearly exercise. Akeugbagold who gave the website as oyostatepwbhajj.com, said the board had over shoot its allocation from 600 to over 1,200.

According to him, over 1,200 forms had been sold to intending pilgrims who are mainly non-indigenes.

He warned that as a result many of those who had purchased the forms might be disqualified to allow more indigenes to have the opportunity to participate in the annual rites.

In an attempt to correct the alleged marginalization that only people from Oyo and Ibadan always participate in the exercise by the people from the Oke-Ogun area of the state, he said the board had recommended that interim pilgrims should go to their respective local government councils for letter of recommendation.

He warned that council chairmen in the 33 council areas should not recommend more 20 intending pilgrims for the exercise, while they should not give agents any recommendation letter.

He said that this would reduce the number of the intending pilgrims and curb irregularities allegedly being perpetrated by the agents.

He disclosed that 60 per cent of the forms would sold to members of the public while the remaining 40 per cent would be shared between state, local governments and notable sponsors.

He said that intending pilgrims would have to purchase forms on line while successful named will placed on internet.