Delta Muslim Community Kicks Against Pilgrims Board, Alleges Marginalisation

Deep grievances have emerged within sections of the Muslim community in Delta State over recent appointments into the Delta State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, with stakeholders alleging marginalisation of indigenous Muslims.

The aggrieved stakeholders are alleging that recent appointments into the board favour non-indigenes at the expense of qualified indigenous Muslims in the state.

They are therefore calling on the Delta State Government to urgently review the appointments in the interest of fairness, inclusiveness, and community harmony.

Speaking in a press statement issued on Sunday, the Publicity Secretary of the Delta State Muslim Council, Abdulsalam Ogan, expressed dissatisfaction with the composition of the board, describing it as unfair to indigenous Muslim communities across the state.

According to him, the appointments have triggered concern among members of the Muslim community who believe that qualified indigenous Muslims should be given priority in matters relating to the administration of religious affairs in the state.

He specifically questioned the appointment of a representative for Delta Central Senatorial District, arguing that there are competent indigenous Muslims within the zone who are capable of occupying such positions.

Ogan further alleged that the development reflects a broader pattern of exclusion affecting indigenous Muslims in the state.

He warned that failure to address the concerns could escalate tensions within the Muslim community.

“Failure to address the concerns being raised could degenerate into bad blood and potentially create avoidable tensions within the Muslim community,” he said.

He urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to reassess the appointments and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure equitable representation in institutions connected to the welfare of Muslim faithful in the state.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori should reassess the appointments and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure equitable representation in institutions connected to the welfare of Muslim faithful in Delta State,” Ogan added.

At the time of filing this report, the Delta State Government had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.