The League of Imams, Akureland, in Ondo State, has urged the political class in the country to reflect on the life and times of chairman, southern governors forum, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu saying firmness in conviction and boldness in the pursuit of justice stood him out among his peers.
Praying God to grant both immediate and political families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of Akeredolu’s exit, the group said its insistence on the formation and sustenance of Amotekun Corps at a time his fate for a second-term in office was hanging in the balance before the apex court in the land portrayed him more of a patriotic statesman than a politician
The faith – based body, however, admonished the newly sworn-in governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, to continue along the path of sectarian inclusiveness and fairness to all societal segments just like his late boss, who commissioned a Jumat mosque at the Government House grounds , Alagbaka, despite himself being a Chancellor of the Anglican church.
The group also recalled that both Akeredolu and his then right-hand man, now the helmsman in the State, were unrelenting in the clamour for the endorsement of Tinubu – Shettima joint candidacy when others were castigating the ruling All-Progressives Congress (APC) for adopting the same-faith ticket for its presidential and vice-presidential slots in the 2023 general election
According to the Imams, anything short of appointing a practising follower of the Islamic faith as the deputy governor will be a disservice to the memory of Akeredolu and vivify a feeling of perpetual alienation within the Muslim community, who contributed a block vote of over forty percent in the total ballots which brought the progressive government to power in the Sunshine state on two consecutive occasions
Rising from a meeting in Akure, the state capital, Chairman of the group, Shaykh Muhammad Raji Kewuyemi and Secretary, Imam Qamardeen Bintinlaye, therefore echoed the yearnings and aspirations of the Muslim community in the State for one of their own to be chosen as deputy governor, arguing that such a move will further promote interfaith harmony, political stability, balance of power, social justice equity and fairness
The body, which frowned at what it described as systemic subjugation of Muslims in the sphere of governance, posited that a situation whereby just one of their own could not be found on the list of ten top political office holders in the State leaves much to be desired.
The image-maker of the group, Imam Isma’il Ododoloto, also deduced that Muslims are not just a tangible portion of the tax-paying residents but have been at the forefront as loyal vanguards when it comes to the execution of government programmes and policies especially since the return of democracy in 1999.
Corroborating the league of Imams, another sister organisation, Ondo State Council for Islamic Affairs (ODSCIA) has appealed for the institutionalisation of Muslim – Christian or Christian – Muslim ticket in Ondo State politics ahead October 2024 governorship polls
In an issued statement, jointly signed by the Chairman, Imam Habibullahi Akinpelumi and Secretary, Alhaji Nasirullahi Atere, ODSCIA predicted that a promising stay in power which will mark the beginning of a brand, new chapter of an illustrious political career is at hand for governor Ayedatiwa, once the religious plurality and sectarian sensibility of the entire population are taken into consideration in the formulation of policies and execution of programmes.
While noting that the transition from the position of acting governor to substantive governor represents the height of divine favour, the council urged him to see governance as a continuum, by building on the legacies of his predecessor and ensure that no ongoing development projects, meant for betterment of the people is abandoned.
