The Muslim community in Ondo State has thrown its weight behind the re-election bid of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of the November 16 governorship election in the state.
Aiyedatiwa, in turn, promised to ensure inclusive governance in the state.
He stressed that his administration values inclusivity, and pledged that everyone will be given equal rights, irrespective of religious differences.
The endorsement of the governor took place at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure.
The event was marked by expressions of solidarity from prominent Muslim leaders from across the state, each affirming their support for the governor’s election.
The Chief Imam of Owo land and Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ondo State, Alhaji Sheikh Ahmad Olagoke Aladesawe, expressed the Muslim community’s united support for the governor, offering prayers for a peaceful election.
The Baba Adinni of Owo Kingdom, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, said, “As we stood by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the presidential election, we are ready to do the same for Governor Aiyedatiwa. Let the governor be rest assured that the Muslim community is behind him. People once thought Muslims stayed out of politics, but with Governor Aiyedatiwa, we are prepared to be fully involved.”
The Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, who said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership is divinely guided, added: “I believe plans that Governor Aiyedatiwa should lead this state during this period.
“This election will be the most peaceful in the history of the State, by God’s grace, and I am confident that the governor’s decision to appoint Muslims into political offices will bring positive results.
He will not regret it.”
In his goodwill message, the Olubaka of Oka Land, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, said the Muslim community has taken a bold step in openly declaring support for the election.
The monarch, however, requested the recruitment of more Arabic teachers to strengthen Islamic education while advocating for government-funded schools in place of the return of schools to religious bodies.
The Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, said with unanimous support, the governor can now sleep with both eyes closed with the assurance that the election has been won.
Akorede called for increased Muslim representation in government, and added: “On behalf of all Muslims in Ondo State, I assure the governor that the entire Muslim community stands solidly behind him.”
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a Performance of Excellence award to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the launch of an empowerment initiative, providing sewing machines, clippers, and grinding machines to support economic self-reliance within the Muslim community.
Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the Muslim community for the endorsement and expressed appreciation for their steadfast support and prayers, which he noted had strengthened the administration since its inception.
The governor, who commended the religious harmony in the state, promised that Muslims across the state wouldn’t be deprived of their rights and privileges.
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the contributions of Muslims in his administration and highlighted that while many Muslims currently hold political appointments, his government will continue to do more.