Governor Adeleke is fair to Muslims, Osun Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board Chairman Replies JOMAF

By Tunde Eso 

The Chairman of the Osun Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, Alhaji Maruf Ishola has dismissed as unfounded claims that Governor Ademola Adeleke is lopsided in his appointments, noting that the governor has been fair to Muslims in the state.

The Chairman was responding to a recent statement by the Osun State Chapter of Joint Muslims Action Forum (JOMAF) accusing Governor Adeleke of bias against Muslims in his choice of appointments, stressing that the allegation of the Muslim group against the governor is not only untrue but baseless 

Alhaji Ishola who pointed out that the first three appointments of Governor Adeleke upon coming to office are all Muslims, said the Governor has so far demonstrated strong affinity for the interests of Muslims in his government.

"The media report by Muslim group named Osun State Chapter of Joint Muslims Action Forum (JOMAF) on the allegations of lopsided of appointments by Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke. The allegation is baseless and untrue. It is an act to distract the working governor from performing his electioneering campaign to the good people of Osun State.

"It is on record that as soon as Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke assumed Office on 27th November, 2022, he announced the first appointments of three Muslims into the position of authority. The appointments of Alhaji Teslim Adekunle Igbalaye as the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye as the Chief of Staff to the Governor and Mallam Olawale Rasheed as the Spokesperson to the Governor. This is a clear demonstration that Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has unalloyed love and support for the Muslim in Osun State.

"Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke appointment of cabinet members and Special Advisers is fair and is taking care of Muslims in his appointment and still believe and hope that subsequent appointments will continue to favour the Muslims."

The Chairman however called on JOMAF to "continue supporting Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke led administration in his efforts at developing the State infrastructural development across the State."

"Within the short time of his administration, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has been taken care of Muslims interest without religion bias to Muslim in the State. I am of the opinion that we should continue to pray for Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke to have successful administration."