The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) has demanded equity and fair representation for the Ogun State governorship seat, which will serve as a major political reset for the highest office in the state.
Ogun State Chairman of the Council, Sheikh AbdulRasheed Folajuwon Mayaleeke, made the call at a press conference held in Ijebu-Ode, arguing that the governorship slot in 2027 should go to the Muslims.
The Council boss, who led a delegation of prominent Islamic scholars declared that Muslims in the state have suffered prolonged marginalisation in the governorship position, warning that the imbalance needs to be urgently addressed.
Mayaleeke insisted that the 2027 election represents a defining moment for justice and inclusiveness, pointing out that since the creation of the state, Christian leaders would have occupied the governorship seat for 26 years by 2027, compared to just eight years by Muslim leaders, a disparity it described as “deeply troubling”. “This is not a minor discrepancy but a prolonged imbalance”, the Council stated, stressing that “such a pattern could weaken trust in governance and threaten social cohesion”.
He stated that the demand is not driven by sentiment or political bias but by verifiable facts and a commitment to fairness, however, explained that the body is not projecting any candidate
The Council clarified that rather, it was advocating for a political system that promotes justice, equity, and inclusiveness across ethnic and religious divides. advocating for a system that reflects justice, equity, and inclusiveness for all. “We are not projecting any candidate, but instead advocating for a political system that promotes justice, equity, and inclusiveness across ethnic and religious divides. advocating for a system that reflects justice, equity, and inclusiveness for all”, he stated.
The clerics maintained that continued imbalance in political representation could erode public confidence and fuel concerns of systemic exclusion if not deliberately corrected.
The Council, in the statement equally signed by Afolabi Zubair (Secretary), added that political parties were urged to demonstrate sincerity by ensuring that their nomination processes reflect fairness across religious lines. The Islamic body cautioned that failure to address the imbalance would be interpreted as a continuation of exclusionary politics in the state.
While reaffirming commitment to peaceful engagement and dialogue, the Council emphasised that the time for action is now, warning that delayed justice in representation could have far-reaching consequences for unity and stability in Ogun State.
