Ondo Muslim Community Endorses Gov Aiyedatiwa, Promises Inclusive Governance

By Ayodele Oni

Prominent Muslim clerics in Ondo state have rallied support behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s reelection bid during November election.

They include the Chief Imam of Akure, Yayi Akorede, that of Owo, Ahmad Aladesawe and the Okubaka of Oka, Oba Adebori Adeleye.

They spoke in Akure on Friday at a

ceremony held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), which also featured an empowerment programme.

Alhaji Sheikh Ahmad Olagoke 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,  offering prayers for a peaceful election.

Chief 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.”

The Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, who said Governor 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 histroy 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, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, the Olubaka of Oka Land, said the muslim community has taken a bold step in openly declaring support for the election.

The monarch, however, requested for the recruitment of more Arabic teachers to strengthen Islamic education while advocating for government-funded schools in place of return of schools to religious bodies.

The Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, said with the 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, added: “On behalf of all Muslims in Ondo State, I assure the governor that the entire Muslim community stands solidly behind him.”