Guber Poll: Osun Muslim Community Sues For Peace, As Political Parties Gear Up For Election

By Rafiu Agboola, Osogbo

Ahead of July 16 governorship election in Osun, the Osun State Muslim Community (OSMC), has called on all stakeholders and the electorate to embrace peace, as no election can be conducted in an atmosphere of violence and insecurity.

It particularly called on all indigenes and residents of the state to obtain their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), and shun all acts capable of truncating the electoral process.

The President of the association, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi, stated this on Sunday, while addressing journalists on the schedule of events for the 25th anniversary of the association, beginning today.

Alhaji Olawuyi, who hinted that the Osun State Muslim Community has in the last three weeks been engaging contenders from the various parties on their plans for the state if elected, stressed that voters should come out en-masse to vote candidates of their choice, in the election.

He said : “I appeal to all indigenes of Osun to embrace peace before, during and after the governorship elections. We must also go out en-masse to obtain our PVCs to vote on the election day. We are ambassadors of a free and fair exercise. We want our people to go out to vote the candidates of their choice.

“We want a rancor-free election in Osun state, we thank God for what happened in Ekiti state there was no rancor, no violence, and no hijacking of polling boxes, we want this one to be a very peaceful, transparent, and fair election in Osun state. Without peace there wont be any development, we have heard more than enough insecurity in this country we cannot add more, we have to secure this state and the nation.

“We also appeal to all the gladiators to embrace peace. Once a winner is announced, that person should be magnanimous in victory and collectively join hands for the development of Osun. We have tasked all Imams to continue to pray for peace and a free, fair and credible election in July.”

Olawuyi stressed that in the last 25 years, the Osun State Muslim Community has been committed to the ideals of propagating peace in the state, while lending credible suggestions for the growth and development of the state.

He added: “We have in the last 25 years contributed to sustaining peace in our dear state. We have not done this without the support of all Muslims in Osun. We have also since 2006 instituted a Sharia Panel, coordinated by experienced and eminent jurists, who have been helpful in the resolution of disputes, even as big as boundary disputes, that have engendered communal peace and progress in the state.”

The Osun Muslim Community President told newsmen that as part of activities marking its silver jubilee, the community will on Tuesday, 28th June 2022, extend generosity with giving back to the society by visiting Correctional Centre, Ilesa, FOMWAN Orphanage home and School of Special Needs, Osogbo, where spiritual and material needs shall be given to the inhabitants.

According to him, the anniversary would be rounded off on Saturday and Sunday 2nd & 3rd July 2022, with meritorious awards to reputable Muslims who excelled in contributing to the progress of Islam in Nigeria and beyond.

Among the awardees are Alh. Gboyega Oyetola, the Governor of the State of Osun, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN, a legal luminary and former Secretary to the Government of Osun State, Alh. Fatai Akinade Akinbade, Prof. Mojeed Alabi, Alhaja Sidikat Daodu, Late Barrister Abdulsalam Abass, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, Aragbiji, Late Sheik Solahudeen Ade-Olayiwola, the 1st President, OSMC, among others.