By HeapNews
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s campaign for re-election received a significant boost as the Muslim community in Ondo State publicly endorsed him during an empowerment event held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure. Muslim leaders from across the state affirmed their commitment to Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy ahead of the November 16 governorship election, pledging full support.
During the endorsement, Alhaji Sheikh Ahmad Olagoke Aladesawe, Chief Imam of Owo land and Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas, assured the governor of the Muslim community’s backing, offering prayers for a peaceful election. “Our community stands united behind Governor Aiyedatiwa, and we pray for peace during the election,” he stated.
In further show of solidarity, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Baba Adinni of Owo Kingdom, emphasized the community’s commitment, drawing parallels with their support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “As we stood by President Tinubu during the presidential election, we are ready to do the same for Governor Aiyedatiwa,” said Ekungba. “Let the governor be rest assured that the Muslim community is behind him. People once thought Muslims stayed out of politics, but with Governor Aiyedatiwa, we are prepared to be fully involved.”
Echoing these sentiments, the Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, praised Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, describing it as divinely inspired. “I believe it is God’s plan that Governor Aiyedatiwa should lead this state during this period,” Batuta remarked. He expressed confidence in a peaceful election and credited the governor’s inclusion of Muslims in his administration as a step towards unity and progress. “This election will be the most peaceful election in the history of the state, by God’s grace,” he added.
Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, the Olubaka of Oka Land, also commended the Muslim community’s endorsement, describing it as a courageous step forward. The monarch urged the government to recruit more Arabic teachers to bolster Islamic education, advocating for government-funded schools instead of transferring them to religious bodies.
In an emphatic show of confidence, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, Chief Imam of Akure, remarked, “With this unified support, the governor can now sleep with both eyes closed, assured of victory. On behalf of all Muslims in Ondo State, I assure the governor that the entire Muslim community stands solidly behind him.”
The ceremony included the presentation of a Performance of Excellence award to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the launch of an empowerment program, providing tools such as sewing machines, clippers, and grinding machines to promote economic self-sufficiency within the Muslim community.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, in his response, expressed deep gratitude to the Muslim community for their support, acknowledging the essential role they have played in his administration. “Your steadfast support and prayers have strengthened us since day one,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusivity. He promised that Muslims across the state would continue to enjoy equal rights and opportunities, adding, “We are a government of inclusivity, valuing every individual regardless of religious background.”