Public Lecture: League of Imams of Akure Land Advocate More Muslims Participation in politics
By Dupson Collins, January 2024
The League of Imams in Akure Land has advocated for more Muslims to be actively involved in the politics of the country, saying it does not exclude Islamic clerics to either vote or be voted for.
The League organized Dawah to sensitize the Muslim Community and the public over outcry of hardship the current economy policy of the Tinubu’s administration is causing Nigeria.
The Lecture which took place at the Akure Central Mosque on Sunday 14th January, 2024 with the theme, “Aftermath of Election: Gain or Pain” delivered by Prof Abideen Olaiya of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
In his lecture, Prof Olaiya said in spite of the pains the policies of the present administration are causing Nigeria, the gain of having a Muslim as the president who is passionate about making Nigeria work again deserves commendation by the Muslim community.
The University Don noted that Muslims’ participation in politics would also preserve the identity and protection of Islamic symbols in politics and governance.
He listed the consequences of being apolitical and non-partisan to include continuation of oppression, victimization, harassment and assaults, corruption, impunity, violation of rule of law, and stereotyping and stigmatization.
Prof Olaiya added that the presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu give the Muslim sense of belonging while asking them to shun vote buying, monetization and political violence which constituted some of the pains of our electoral system.
The cleric said participating in the political process would facilitate and ease the affairs of Muslims in their quest to develop and enhance their God-given fundamental human rights.
He charged Muslims in Ondo State to leave their comfort zone and agitate for Muslim Governor ahead of the 2024 election in the state saying since Ondo State was created in 1976, no single Muslim has occupied the Alagbaka Government House as elected governor.
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In the same vein, the Grand Chief Imam of Akure Land, Sheikh (Dr) Abdul-Hakeem Yayi Akorede Alubarika commended the League of Imams of Akure Land for organizing the public lecture he described as timely considering the outcry of the people against the present administration in Nigeria.
The Grand Chief Imam charged Governor Aiyedatiwa to be proactive and kick the ground running by providing dividend of good governance to the people of the state rather than being on vendetta mission on people that worked against his interest before the demise of his boss.
He commended the governor for the timely intervention on the clearing of dirt in Akure metropolis and return of contractors to site while asking him to concentrate more energy on infrastructure development across the nook and cranny of the state.
” My sincere advice to Governor Aiyedatiwa is to embrace everyone, be patient and forgive those that work against him while serving as the Deputy Governor”.
The Representative of the Governor, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs thanked the Muslim community for their prayers and support during the struggle, saying the governor will surpass the achievements of the Late Governor Akeredolu.
He assured the Muslims in the state of sense of belonging in his administration saying his present position as the governor was destined by God who nobody can question.
Also the former Deputy Governor in Ondo, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo noted that it is possible to have a Muslim Governor in Ondo State provided Muslim faithful unite and speak with one voice.
Prof Ishaq Adekunle Amoo also joined the voice of Muslim for Aiyedatiwa Deputy Governor, adding that for equity and fairness, the governor should consider Muslim as his deputy.
While chatting with PATH, the Chairman Special Duty Committee of League of Imams Akure Land who also doubles as the Chief Imam of Eyin Apata Community said the lecture was organized to enlighten and sensitise the public and Muslim community on why they should be patient with the Tinubu’s administration.
Imam Ododoloto reiterated the need for Nigerians to be patient saying for good governance to take place with the state the President met the country, it will be gradual before the country gets its feet back.
Meanwhile, he accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of marginalizing the Muslims of the South West in his appointment, saying it is an injustice to the core Muslims which the president must correct.
In attendance includes Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ably represented by Alhaji Amidu Takuro, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, former Deputy Governor, Grand Chief Imam of Akure Land, Sheikh (Dr) Abdul-Hakeem Yayi Akorede Alubarika Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, SSA on Security Matters, Olurese of Irese, Prof Ishaq Adekunle Amoo, Islamic scholars and Imams among others.
