Muslim leaders in Ondo State, under the aegis of the League of Imams and Alfas, have berated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the alleged marginalisation of Muslims in the state.
The body, which decried the lopsidedness of appointments by the governor, disclosed that Muslims are not happy with the tide of appointments made so far.
According to the Islamic leaders, who visited the governor to voice their displeasure, Aiyedatiwa was already towing the path of his late boss, former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who shut out Muslims from the top 10 positions in the state.
The league, led by its chairman, Sheikh Ahmad Aladesawe, called for a more balanced representation of Muslims in key appointments across various sectors.
While emphasising that Ondo State is not a Christian state, Aladesawe advised that the governor must thrive to ensure peace and stability in the state.
While advising the governor against the return of schools to faith-based organisations, it decried the manner in which Muslim students were being treated in schools against their beliefs.
“Your excellency, the Muslim community of Ondo State is not happy with the tide of your appointments. Are you saying you cannot find a Muslim in your party cerebral enough to accept even one of those appointments? Are you saying the Muslims are so short on technocrats and intellectuals who can man those offices?
“You have made four cardinal appointments after your swearing-in, and all are people of your faith, with no single Muslim. We, as elders, are disturbed, and our children are restless.
“Our youth are not happy, but we have to calm them with the assurance that we will meet with you and that we believe you will correct the lopsidedness,” Aladesawe said.
On his part, Aiyedatiwa stated that the appointments made so far were done for political interests, which was considered above religious interests.
He stated that the deputy governor was picked from Owo to honour the late Akeredolu and the people of Owo.
Aiyedatiwa equally explained that the SSG went to Akure because the government is a transitional one to complete the tenure of the ongoing administration.
