Ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has challenged Governor Ademola Adeleke to speak on the alleged marginalisation of Muslims in the State and as well clarify his religious status instead of dodging the dual real issues.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the governor failed to address the issue of ‘pretending to be a muslim’ while he partially responded to that of alleged religious marginalisation of Muslims.
The group, therefore, advised the governor to apologise to Nigerian Muslims whom he had hurt deeply by allegedly making a mockery of Islam.
MURIC said, “We are in possession of a rejoinder authored by the Osun State government.
“It will be recalled that MURIC had, on Saturday, 13th June, 2026 accused the state governor of short-changing Muslims in political appointments as well as mimicking Muslim practices while pretending to be a Muslim.
”In a rejoinder published within 24 hours of MURIC’s allegation, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, listed some Muslim appointees but failed to tell Nigerians how many Muslims are in Adeleke’s cabinet.
”That is the crux of the problem. Adeleke is beating about the bush. MURIC gave specific numbers. MURIC said Adeleke appointed 17 Christians as commissioners as against only seven Muslims. Why can’t the commissioner give his own number?
”You can’t hide behind one finger. At ratio 17:7, the gap is ridiculously too wide. The commissioner is defending the indefensible.
”We challenge Governor Adeleke to publish the full list of his commissioners, including the chairmen of his boards and parastatals. Nigerians are interested in the mystery inside Pandora’s box. In particular, Osun Muslims are sick and tired of crumbs from Adeleke’s table.
”Adeleke’s Commissioner for Information conveniently forgot to comment on our allegation of the governor’s double religious identity. We can understand the raison d’etre. It is definitely embarrassing to the supporters of the governor. But his failure to comment on it is an admission of guilt.
”He tried to deflect the whole gamut of allegations by accusing Akintola of working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but he failed.
“That is personalisation. We have no connection with either APC or any political party. Records has shown that we always support eminently qualified Muslim candidates regardless of their political affiliation even when they stand against APC candidates. Islamdom is our constituency
”Three serious allegations were leveled against the governor, namely, lopsidedness in political appointments, double religious identity and financial impropriety.
“The commissioner defended only one (political appointments) and very feebly, too, because he could not tell us the real number of commissioners on each side. Or should we invoke the Access to Information Act 2016?
”What happened to the remaining two allegations leveled by MURIC (double religious identity and financial impropriety)? Guilty or not guilty? The commissioner’s silence means acquiescence.
”Religion is a sensitive thing and it is an open secret that Muslims take their religion seriously. Others may not but that is not our business.
“Unfortunately Governor Adeleke has done the exact opposite. Muslims all over the country are livid with rage. It has gone beyond Osun Muslims. There are no spiritual borders in Islam. What we have is universal brotherhood. If you mock one, you have mocked all.
”Adeleke should have learnt from reactions of Muslims to ordinary satires by artists and authors around the world which made references to Islam.
“How did the Muslims react? Can the governor show us one governor like him who is brandishing the flags of 2 faiths even in the South West?
”It was absolutely unnecessary yet carelessly provocative. We know Adeleke is a pleasant man, friendly and warm. yet he ends up being a complex personality. He amuses everybody and manifests harmlessness.
“The tragedy here lies in the switch of roles: the crown must not wear the garb of the court jester. Even if the legendary Michael Jackson were to come back from the dead, we, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), will not stand akimbo while someone dances away with Allah-given fundamental Muslims’ rights and civil liberties, never.
”Governor Adeleke is in the people’s court and the day of reckoning is fast approaching. This case between Adeleke and the People of Osun has been adjourned to 15th August, 2026. The people’s court is not covered by immunity. Adeleke must appear in person,” the group said.
