Muslim leaders in Ondo State, on Tuesday, met with the state governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and protested alleged marginalisation of Islamic faithful in the appointments made so far by his administration.
The Muslims, who were led by Chief Imam, Sheik (Dr.) Ahmed Olagoke Aladesawe, chairman, League of Imams and Alfas in the state, informed the governor that all the “appointments made so far fall short of the expectations of all fair-minded, just, God-fearing, and objective good people of the State including our our-good-selves.”
Aladesawe, who disclosed that previous administrations in the state strategically and critically marginalised the Muslims, claimed that they had been reduced to sub-human beings.
He said, “We are not in government, and we are not involved in governance.”
According to the Chief Imam, “In the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, the Muslims are not in any of the Ten (10) principal officers of the government.”
He further stated that, “efforts to correct this lopsidedness in the then government proved abortive as the then Governor was not ready to correct this marginalization and bring us closer to how the state is governed.”
He said, “We thought your coming will give us salvation. Your Excellency, the Muslim community of Ondo state is not happy with the tide of your appointments. You have made four cardinal appointments after your swearing-in, and all are people of your faith with no single Muslim.
“Are you saying you cannot find a Muslim in your party cerebral enough to accept even one of those appointments? Are you saying the Muslims are so short of technocrats and intellectuals who can man those offices?
“We as elders are disturbed and our children are restless. Our youth are not happy, but we have to calm them with the assurance that we will meet with you and that we believe you will correct the lopsidedness.
“Mr. Governor, Ondo State is not a Christian state and any government that quests for peace, stability, and development must recognise the religious diversity of our dear state.
“All the Muslim youth organizations including this August body wrote to you pleading with your excellency to pick one of our best as your deputy to aid you in the administration of this state but alas without any explanation or indulgence, you decided to pick your choice and jettison the over 2 million Muslims of Ondo State.
“Mr. Governor sir, we will advise that Your Excellency should avoid anyone, group, or associations, no matter their religious affiliation, that may suggest or advise Your Excellency not to listen to the Muslim community of Ondo State.”
Responding, the state governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, explained that decisions were made based on political considerations rather than religious affiliations.
Aiyedatiwa, who stressed the unity of the people regardless of faith, assured Muslim leaders that future appointments would take into account the diverse interests of the state’s population.
Responding to concerns about education and religious freedom, the governor affirmed support for both private and Islamic schools, noting the government’s previous efforts in supporting special Islamic education initiatives.
He reassured the Muslim community of ongoing efforts to address shortage of teachers and ensure the recruitment of Islamic teachers.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also clarified the status of the Muslim Welfare Board, stating that there were no plan for its dissolution and affirming the government’s commitment to effective governance through the constitution of new boards.
