The Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) under the headship of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, has congratulated Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun on his re-election for another term in office as governor of the Gateway State.
In a congratulatory message sent to the governor, a copy received by Muslim News on Friday, March 24, the Council’s Secretary-General, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, (Esq.) described Prince Abiodun’s re-emergence as the will of God and wish of the people.
Recall that on the eve of the guber and state assembly elections, the council ruled out the endorsement of any candidate but urged its members to come out en mass and vote for any credible candidate who will be supportive and accommodating of Muslims.
Gov. Abiodun was later declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), defeating his closest rival, Ladi Adebutu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Abiodun polled 276,298 votes while Adebutu scored a total of 262,383 votes.
Speaking with Muslim News, the OMC Secretary-General said, “Allah puts whoever He wills in the position of authority. Therefore, I’ll say Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s re-emergence is the will of God. It is important to note that he won as a result of votes cast by the electorates. Irrespective of which factions, religion or ethnic group voted him. Thus, I would also say his re-election is the wish of the people.
The council applauded the incumbent governor for the good work he has been doing for the people of Ogun State and encouraged him to do even more.
“Undoubtedly, his electoral victory is a testimony to the good works of his administration in the last forty-five months. It is in this regard that the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) is imploring his Excellency to do a down-to-earth evaluation of the projects, plans and programmes carried out under the ISEYA Mantra during his first term in office to map out strategies that will facilitate increased and improved version or performance.”
Alhaji Akintunde also urged the governor to continually accord Muslims in the state due regard and continue to grant their rights in the state, including the formalization of the use of the hijab within the state as it is a constitutional right of the Muslims.
“Specifically, we implore His Excellency to accord the Muslims in the State our rights and privileges, including fair representation in the State Executive Council, Statutory Commissions and Boards; the free practice of our faith within the ambit of the law. We expect him to be fairer than ever.
“We have issues on hijab within the state. We expect him to jettison sentiments and be bold enough to issue a circular to that effect. As a governor, he has the authority to do so and that is the right thing to do. Over time, Ogun and Lagos states have things in common. Lagos State has issued a circular; Oyo state as well. Most states have issued circulars on the allowance for female students who are willing to use hijab in schools.
“We’re not asking for anything outside the constitution and since it is part of the laws of the land, government must allow them to practice such without any hindrance or victimization. That is our demand. We also require the adequate representation of Muslims across appointments, commissions and parastatals.
The Council also stated its expectations from the governor of the Gateway State during his second term in office.
“He will exhibit readiness and give audience to all, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliations.
“He should also ensure equity and accountability. Accountability is the virtue of Muslims, as such, we’ll expect him to be accountable from time to time and as may be required. Leadership is about responsibility and it goes beyond equity and fairness. Accountability is also key and above all, he should be God-fearing.”
