With 16 days to the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, the Muslim community on Thursday endorsed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The Muslim community, led by prominent Muslim leaders across the state, who converged in Akure, the state capital, hinged its decision on the governor’s performance.
While offering prayers for a peaceful election, Sheikh Ahmad Aladesawe, the Chief Imam of Owo Land and Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ondo State, expressed the Muslim community’s united support for the governor.
Jamiu Ekungba, the Baba Adinni of Owo Kingdom, 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.”
On his part, the Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, who said Aiyedatiwa’s leadership is divinely guided, added, “I believe it is God’s plan that Governor Aiyedatiwa should lead this state during this period.
“This election will be the most peaceful election 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.”
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 by him.
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.”
Responding, Aiyedatiwa appreciated 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 will not be deprived of their rights and privileges.