Imams in Egbaland have asked all political parties in Ogun State to field “competent Muslim candidates for the 2027 governorship election.”
The request is contained in a statement titled 2027 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION IN OGUN STATE: A CALL FOR FAIRNESS BY IMAMS IN EGBALAND.
The Imams issued the statement at the end of a meeting presided over by Grand Chief Imam of Egbaland, Fadhilat Sheikh Saadallah Bamigbola to review the socio-political developments in the state.
They noted that since the creation of Ogun State, 50 years ago, no Muslim has occupied the highest elective position in the state except Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
The Imams said “At the end of the incumbent’s second tenure, Christian governors would have led the State for approximately twenty-five (25) years.
“While we acknowledge the contributions of all past leaders, this
disparity necessitates a conversation on balance.”
They added that “In the spirit of fairness, equity, and the promotion of religious harmony, the Muslim community demands that the mantle of leadership be passed to a Muslim candidate upon the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Governor in 2027.”
Read the statement below:
RAABITOTUL AIMMATI WAL-ULAMAA OF NIGERIA
(EGBA SENATORIAL DISTRICT)
Headquarters: Egbá Central Mosque, Iporo Kobiti, Abeokuta. Phone: 0803 361 6896
2027 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION IN OGUN STATE: A CALL FOR FAIRNESS BY IMAMS IN EGBALAND
PREAMBLE
The Grand Chief Imam of Egbaland, Fadhilat Sheikh Saadallah Bamigbola, and the Imams representing the three other cardinal sections of Egbaland, held a strategic meeting to review the socio-politica landscape of our dear Ogun State. After extensive deliberations on the principles of inclusivity and the historical trajectory of leadership in the Gateway State, the Imams under the umbrella of the Egba Muslim Community, made the following observations and recommendations:
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF GOVERNANCE IN OGUN STATE
The Imams note that since the creation of Ogun State, 50 years ago, no Muslim has occupied the highest elective position in the state except Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who handed over power to Governor Dapo Abiodun, a Christian in 2019.
PAST GOVERNORS/GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE
• Chief Olabisi Onabanjo (Christian): 1979-1983.
Chief Olusegun Osoba (Christian): 1992-1993 & 1999-2003.
Senator (Otunba) Gbenga Daniel (Christian): 2003-2011.
• Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Muslim): 2011-2019
• Prince Dapo Abiodun (Christian): 2019 to date.
DISPARITY IN REPRESENTATION
At the end of the incumbent’s second tenure, Christian governors would have led the State for approximately twenty-five (25) years.
While we acknowledge the contributions of all past leaders, this
disparity necessitates a conversation on balance.
CALL FOR EQUITY AND FAIRNESS
In the spirit of fairness, equity, and the promotion of religious harmony, the Muslim community demands that the mantle of leadership be passed to a Muslim candidate upon the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Governor in 2027.
MANDATE TO POLITICAL PARTIES
We hereby call upon all political parties in Ogun State to prioritise the selection and presentation of competent Muslim candidates for the 2027 governorship election.
RESOLUTION ON MOBILISATION
The Imaams in Egbaland have resolved to embark on an extensive grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation campaign.
We shall lend our full support and influence to any political platform that demonstrates commitment to this call for equitable power sharing.
APPEAL FOR INTER-FAITH CO-OPERATION
Just as we threw our weights behind the candidacy of Prince Dapo Abiodun in 2019, after the tenure of the incumbent governor as a Christian, we urge our Christian brothers and sisters, as well as traditional rulers, trade unions, student bodies, and all civil society organisations, to support this just shift. This is not a call for division, but an invitation to strengthen the bond of unity through fair representation.
CONCLUSION
Our collective goal remains the progress of Ogun State. We believe that fairness and equity in power rotation are fundamental to sustainable peace and development.
Long live Ogun State
Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!
SIGNED
Fadhilat Sheikh Imam Bamigbola M.S.
Grand Chief Imam of Egbaland
The Vice President, League of Imams and Alfas of Yorubaland
Fadhilat Sheikh Musliudeen Nosirudeen – Chief Imam of Oke-Ona,
Prof.Kamaldeen Balogun – Chief Imam of Gbagura
Fadhilat Sheikh Sulaiman Kehinde – Chief Imam of Owu Kingdom
Alh.Imam Najeemdeen Wale Bakenne – Olori Omo Kewu of Egbaland
Fadhilat Sheikh Salis Adenekan – Olori Adeen of Egbaland