The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, has accused successive administrations in the state of marginalising Muslims in political and administrative appointments despite their large population.
The allegation was contained in a statement jointly signed by the state chairman of MURIC, Alhaji Tajudeen Alao, and secretary, Alhaji Olaleye Rasheed, and made available to PLATFORM TIMES journalists on Thursday.
According to the group, since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, only one Muslim — former Governor Ibikunle Amosun — has governed the state, while key appointments across successive governments, including the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, have allegedly been dominated by Christians.
“Almost all strategic positions in government today are held by Christians. This raises painful but legitimate questions: are there no competent Muslims in Ogun State capable of contributing to governance, administration and development?” the statement read.
MURIC stressed that its demand was not for preferential treatment but for fairness, equity and inclusiveness as provided in the Nigerian Constitution.
Quoting Section 14 (3) and Section 42 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the group argued that political and administrative imbalance violates the principles of federal character and non-discrimination.
The group further described the trend as “a violation of the Constitution, an affront to democracy, and a threat to peace and unity.”
MURIC dismissed token gestures such as Sallah rams and Ramadan packages, insisting that “charity during festive seasons cannot replace economic and political justice.”
It therefore made four key demands: which are ; fair representation of Muslims across the executive, legislature and judiciary; religious balance in appointments of commissioners, advisers, heads of agencies and boards; Institutionalisation of inclusiveness policies by future administrations ; and an end to tokenistic gestures in place of genuine recognition of Muslims’ contributions to state development.
The group urged Governor Abiodun to urgently review his appointments and policies to ensure religious inclusivity, while also calling on the Ogun State House of Assembly to pass a resolution mandating religious balance in government appointments.
Civil society and the media were also charged to amplify the call, while Muslim leaders were advised to remain peaceful, united, and consistent in their advocacy for justice.
“Ogun State belongs to us all — Muslims, Christians and others alike. The continued marginalisation of Muslims must end because justice delayed is justice denied. The time for inclusiveness in Ogun State is now,” the statement concluded.
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