The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State chapter, has raised alarm over what it describes as the systemic marginalisation of Muslims in the political and administrative structure of the state.
In a strongly-worded Muharram message marking the Islamic New Year 1447 AH, the group urged the Ogun State government to urgently address what it termed “glaring imbalance” in political appointments, warning that continued exclusion could breed disunity and hinder development.
The statement, signed by the State Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, and made public by the State Secretary, Alhaji Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, described the sacred month of Muharram as a time for reflection, recommitment, and a reawakening to the values of justice, fairness, and equity.
According to MURIC, despite Muslims forming a substantial portion of Ogun State’s population, their presence in governance remains disproportionately low.
“Since 1980, Ogun State has had five executive governors, with only one being a Muslim. Presently, all three arms of government—the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary—are headed by Christians,” the statement read.
The group further highlighted that the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, and the Chief Judge are all Christians. In addition, critical administrative positions such as the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and the Secretary to the State Government are also occupied by Christians.
MURIC also raised concerns over local government representation, stating that out of the 20 local government chairpersons in the state, only two are Muslims, while the majority of commissioners and senior political appointees are Christians.
Describing the situation as “disheartening,” Alhaji Alao condemned the Ogun State government’s failure to declare a public holiday for Muharram, unlike some other South-Western states that honoured the Islamic New Year.
“This statement is not born out of bitterness, bigotry, or incitement. MURIC’s stance remains clear: Dialogue, not violence. What we seek is fairness, inclusiveness, and a genuine sense of belonging in the governance of Ogun State,” the chairman said.
He warned that political exclusion could fracture the unity of the state and impede development. “Muslims are not second-class citizens. We are peace-loving, law-abiding, and tax-paying stakeholders in the Ogun project,” he added.
The group also used the occasion to call on Muslims to shun political apathy and begin mobilising toward the 2027 general elections.
“Enough of standing on the sidelines. Our demographic strength must translate into political power. It is time to work towards producing a competent, visionary, and God-fearing Muslim governor in Ogun State,” Alao declared.
Quoting from the Qur’an, MURIC urged the Muslim Ummah to take responsibility for their political future: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves” (Qur’an 13:11).
The statement concluded with a call for unity, political consciousness, and prayers for divine guidance as Muslims across the world mark the Islamic New Year.
“May Allah strengthen our resolve, unite our hearts, and bless the Muslim Ummah with wisdom, victory, and divine guidance,” it read.
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