By Imam AbdulGhaffar Adeleye
Now that it looks like elites in my religion (Islam) have woken up to the reality that Muslims seems to be marginalized in the present political landscape of Ogun State , I think it is high time we got some personal checks on ourselves
The need for a Muslim to be Governor of Ogun state , as recently been clarmored for, by some of our Muslim groups is truly genuine , albeit too late for 2027 election, but some things need to be put in the right perspectives.
Across the six states in the south Western part of Nigeria , there is no single Governor of Islamic faith at the helms.
This shouldn’t have been an issue of public debate due the silence of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution on the use of religion as a determinant into elective and appointive positions
In the Muslim dominated northern states, there are more Muslim Governors and the southern states , we have Governors of Christian faith taking dominance
However, the southwest is a different region as it is dominated by both faiths including the traditional worshippers whose population cannot be underestimated in this district.
In Ogun State since 2019, the major stakeholders and determinants of state affairs have been largely Christians : Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Speaker and deputy Speaker. There are not just nominal Christians. 90% of them are Pastors.
Hence, the agitation of our brothers and sisters in the Muslim groups is understandable
Morally, this does not exhibit representive democracy expected in a civil rule but what have we been doing over the years before the rot got to this stage?
Since the establishment of Ogun state in 1976, we have had only one opportunity of an elected Governor who practices Islam.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun is a Muslim and served as Governor between 2011 and 2019.
We meet in the mosque for daily and Jumat prayers even while in office as Governor.
My brothers and sisters in this faith should be reminded that the activities for 2027 electioneering has started , according to the INEC timetable. This is not the time to start the clamour for 2027. We had slept too deep and respite could only come out way if we all become intentional to be involved in politics.
Insisting on a Muslim Governor in the Ogun State 2027 gubernatorial bid, is like waving at a vehicle that has passed.
If care is not taken, we would begin to have politicians “pretending” to be Muslims, changing their names , joining us in practicing Islam, getting Islamic Chieftaincy titles etc, just to get our backing.
In order to engender representive democracy, fairness and balance in Ogun state political settings, all Muslims must begin to fully participate in politics
How many Muslims have the PVC ? How many of us attend Ward meetings ? Or how many of us even know our wards ?
How many Muslim elites belong to a political party?
How do we want to take charge of the government when our religious Leaders are found of preaching against partisanship. Some even preach against voting.
For emphasis, this forthcoming 2027 Governorship election scheduled to hold in few months from now should obviously not be in contention
Let’s go back home and introspect on modalities to correcting the erroneous impression that Politics is a dirty game and Muslims /Muslim scholars should not be a part of it.
In some states of this country, we have pastors and evangelists as Governors , deputy and/or Speaker.
If an Islamic scholar , Imam, Sheikh or Ustaz should contest an election in Yoruba land , he would be seen as an uncontented fellow and would be topic for discussion on the altar, forthwith
If we leverage our Friday sermons, Sunday Asalatu/Khalqo, weekdays Madrasah etc to re-orientate ourselves about the need to be fully involved in the political process and correct impression that Politics is for touts , then we are getting ready and it might be a bit more easier in the next election circle to produce more Muslims in government and perhaps a Muslim Governor
Al-Imam AbdulGhaffar Adeleye is the Chief Imam of Ayedere land, Ewekoro local government, Ogun State
