Daud Olatunji
As the Ogun State gubernatorial election draws closer, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has intensified its call for the Muslim governor in 2027, urging political stakeholders to address longstanding religious imbalances in leadership.
The call was made in a statement issued by Alhaji Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, Secretary of MURIC Ogun State, and signed by Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, the organization’s State Chairman.
According to MURIC, the state’s history of leadership, heavily skewed in favour of Christian governors, fails to reflect the religious diversity of Ogun’s population.
“Since the establishment of democracy in Nigeria, four out of the five civilian governors who have served Ogun State—Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, Olusegun Osoba, Justus Olugbenga Daniel, and Dapo Abiodun—have all been Christians, leading the state for a cumulative 26 years,” the statement noted.
“Meanwhile, only one Muslim, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, has held the position, and that was for eight years.”
While MURIC’s motto emphasizes “Dialogue, Not Violence,” the organization asserts that fostering diversity in leadership is essential to prevent marginalization.
They argue that an equitable representation of both Muslims and Christians in governance would promote inclusivity and cohesion in Ogun’s multi-religious society.
Alhaji Alao reiterated that the Muslim community is not seeking preferential treatment but merely advocating fair representation in governance.
“Agitation is not our strategy,” he stated, “but rather raising awareness on issues of marginalization and fostering dialogue for justice and equity.”
The group appealed to political stakeholders, including party leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and the electorate, to support a credible Muslim candidate in the upcoming election.
MURIC urged that the next governor should be a leader who not only recognizes the religious diversity of Ogun State but also works towards inclusive development that benefits all citizens.
In a message to Ogun’s Muslim community, MURIC emphasized that 2027 presents a crucial opportunity to correct past leadership imbalances.
“This is a moment to move towards a more inclusive state,” the group stated, calling on Muslims to actively participate in the election process.
Using hashtags such as #FreeOgunMuslims and #2027ForMuslimGovernor, MURIC’s message is gaining traction among Ogun residents who share concerns about religious equity and representation.
The organization maintains that the state’s diverse population deserves leadership that serves all groups without bias, promising to advocate until meaningful change is achieved.
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