The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged Muslims in Osun State to be vigilant ahead of the next governorship election, warning them not to allow Governor Ademola Adeleke to “mock them a second time” if he seeks re-election.
The group’s executive director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, issued the warning on Saturday, alleging that the governor’s administration had politically marginalised Muslims in the state despite what he described as expectations of inclusiveness during the 2022 election.
Akintola said the forthcoming election presents another opportunity for voters in Osun State to reassess the governor’s leadership, accusing him of failing to demonstrate equitable representation in his cabinet and governance structure.
He alleged that Muslims in the state were sidelined in political appointments, claiming that the composition of the state executive council reflected imbalance.
“We recall how he marginalized the Muslims of Osun State while deceiving them that he is one of them and maradonising them with his club-dancing theatrics,” Akintola said.
He referenced MURIC’s earlier statement dated July 10, 2023, in which the group criticised the allocation of commissioners in the state executive council, alleging that 17 positions were given to Christians compared to seven Muslims.
Akintola also accused the governor of engaging in what he described as “political theatrics,” including appearances at religious events, which he said raised concerns about identity and trust.
The MURIC director further criticised the governor’s leadership style, describing it as lacking transparency and consistency, and alleging that it had been characterised by controversy.
“A leader who hides his identity will never be transparent. Nobody will be able to place him,” he said.
Akintola also raised concerns about alleged financial irregularities, citing reports of payroll discrepancies and security vote expenditures, as well as questions surrounding government spending.
“For instance, an audit firm alleged a payroll discrepancy of a whopping N13.7 billion. Also, Adeleke allegedly mismanaged N14.9 billion naira security vote. Like the sword of Damocles, questions still hang over Adeleke’s head on how he spent one trillion naira in three years,” he said.
He urged Muslim voters in Osun State to carefully evaluate their choices ahead of the election, arguing that the outcome would determine the future political balance in the state.
“As another gubernatorial election draws near, Muslims in Osun State must reflect deeply and ask themselves: can we trust this man with our mandate for another long period of four years?” he asked.
Quoting historical and philosophical references, Akintola cautioned voters against repeating political mistakes, stressing the importance of accountability in leadership selection.
He further argued that Muslims in Osun State, as a majority population in a region he described as politically underrepresented, must reassess their political alignment.
He said the group was not campaigning for any candidate but was merely encouraging political awareness among Muslim voters.
“This is sheer enlightenment directed at fellow Muslims. We are not campaigning for anybody. Neither are we demarketing anyone. We are merely revisiting history. Shine your eyes, Osun Muslims,” he said.
Akintola maintained that the 2026 election would present voters with a critical choice, urging them to make decisions based on what he described as fairness, representation, and trust in leadership.
