Cabinet List: We Hold No Grudge Against Gov Adeleke, Osun Muslim Community Says

—Rolls Out Programmes For Hijrah 1445

The Osun State Muslim community (OSMC) has said that it holds no grudge against Governor Ademola Adeleke on the nomination of his commissioners.

OSMC while acknowledging the presence of some Muslims in the Adeleke’s government, noted that the governor is at liberty to appoint anybody he likes, though with caution and fairness.

The President of the Osun Muslim community, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi, made this known on Sunday in Osogbo, during a press conference addressed as part of the activities to herald the celebration of 2023 Islamic new year, Hijrah 1445.

Olawuyi said the governor has been balance in his appointments so far.

Olawuyi distanced OSMC from a statement credited to the Executive Director of Muslims Right Council, Prof Isiaq Akintola who alleged that Adeleke is populating his government with Christians.

According to Olawuyi, Islam preaches peace and fairness and warned the faithful against any act capable of disrupting peace and unity of the society.

He said, “We have nothing against Governor Adeleke over the nomination of his commissioners.

The Governor had first appointed his kitchen cabinet who are all Muslims. His Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the State Government and his Spokesperson are all Muslims and powerful members of the administration.

“Besides, appointment of commissioners is not an exclusive duty of the governor, so many factors are considered in reaching a conclusion, but so far, we believe the governor has done well and has not marginalised the Muslims in the state. Many appointments would still be done and more Muslims would be appointed.

“Our advise is that more Muslims should be involve in politics rather than staying away from it under the guise that it is a dirty game”.

“We know for a fact that Governor Adeleke can not single-handedly pick all the cabinet members; they were submitted to him from various local governments and is not possible for him to appoint someone that is not loyal to him, his caucus, and his political tendency.

“Islam preaches peace, unity, and fairness so we should not be contributors to any disunity, or something that will cause crisis in the society. We need to find out the truth before making any statement.”

Olawuyi urged Muslims to join politics at their various places, saying it is only by doing that, that they will have good presence in the political leadership.

“Muslims are distancing themselves from politics; may be because they consider it as dirty or sinful. But we must join politics and make the best of it. It is only by doing that that we will have good presence in the political leadership”, he said.

While commending the move to conduct staff audit, the Muslim leader prevailed the state government to exclude Fridays from the days civil servants would be appearing for the exercise because of the need to attend Jumat service.

He called on the state government to respect the Jumat period and the Muslims by giving them their due time of worship on Friday.

Part of the activities to mark the Hijrah 1445 according to Olawuyi, include Quran Competition which will hold tomorrow, Monday, July 17, a Colloquium billed to take place on Tuesday, July 18, a Youth Forum is slated for Wednesday, July 19 and Stakeholders Forum coming up on Thursday, July 20, all at the Secretariat of the Muslim community, Halleluyah, Osogbo.

Other programmes include Jumat Service at Osogbo Central Mosque, Osogbo while a grand finale takes place on Saturday, July 22 at Osogbo City Stadium.