Ondo State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the upcoming November 16 governorship election, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusivity.
At a ceremony at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, featuring an empowerment program, he pledged that his government would uphold equal rights for all, regardless of religious affiliations.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for their endorsement and steadfast support, emphasising that their prayers and solidarity have strengthened his administration since its inception.
He praised the religious harmony in Ondo State, assuring Muslims that their rights and privileges would be protected.
He also highlighted the contributions of Muslims within his administration and promised to increase Muslim representation in future appointments.
The governor’s chances in the forthcoming election received a significant boost on Thursday when the Muslim community in the state declared their unanimous support.
Prominent Muslim leaders across Ondo endorsed the governor’s re-election bid in a show of unity and solidarity.
Alhaji Sheikh Ahmad Olagoke Aladesawe, Chief Imam of Owo land and Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ondo State offered prayers for a peaceful election, reinforcing the Muslim community’s unified backing.
Chief Jamiu Ekungba, the Baba Adinni of Owo Kingdom, remarked, “As we supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the presidential election, we are ready to support Governor Aiyedatiwa. The Muslim community stands firmly behind him. People used to think Muslims stayed out of politics, but now, we are prepared to fully participate.”
Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, the Grand Mufti of Ondo State, described Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership as divinely ordained, stating, “I believe it is God’s plan for him to lead Ondo State at this time. This will be the most peaceful election in the history of the state, by God’s grace, and the governor’s decision to appoint Muslims to political roles will yield positive results.”
In a goodwill message, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, the Olubaka of Oka Land, lauded the Muslim community’s open support and urged the recruitment of additional Arabic teachers to strengthen Islamic education.
He also advocated for government-funded schools instead of returning them to religious bodies.
The Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, voiced confidence in the governor’s re-election, assuring him of full support from the entire Muslim community.
“The governor can rest assured that with our collective support, victory is certain,” he said, while also calling for increased Muslim representation in governance.
The event featured the presentation of a Performance of Excellence award to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the launch of an empowerment initiative, which provided sewing machines, clippers, and grinding machines to support economic self-reliance within the Muslim community.
