The Muslim Ummah of South-west Nigeria (MUSWEN) on Sunday commended the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun for good governance.
MUSWEM disclosed that the governor has been exhibiting justice, fair play and equity in the management of the state’s resources and affairs in the last two years.
MUSWEN also applauded Oyetola for piloting the affairs of the State without trespassing into the sphere of disharmony in the guise of religion.
MUSWEN is the umbrella body for all Muslims in the Southwest of Nigeria to serve as a symbol of Muslim unity in Yorubaland and as an exemplary ventilator of religious atmosphere for harmony in the southwest in particular and in Nigeria in general.
Speaking on behalf of the Muslims in the region during a courtesy visit to Governor Oyetola at Government House, Osogbo, the President of MUSWEN/ Deputy President General (South) of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, said the Governor has proved his mettle as a good ambassador of Islam whose position has orchestrated innovation in governance as reflected in the management of human and capital resources of the State.
He expressed delight at the way and manner the Governor has been managing the diverse residents of the State who are a mix of different ethno-religious groups without resorting to any form of rancour or media propaganda.
Oladejo, who further commended the Governor’s rightly-guided disposition to Islam, said being the only Muslim Governor in the entire southern Nigeria, Oyetola has justified his faith as a true Muslim with optimum humility, dignity and integrity.
The NSCIA Deputy President General (South) assured the Governor of the Association’s continued support and cooperation in the onerous effort to engender peaceful coexistence, unity and harmony among the various tribes residing in the region particularly in Osun.
He added: “Your Excellency, besides paying you a courtesy visit, as a matter of brotherhood, we are also here to further assure you of our cooperation with your government and to appreciate you for piloting the affairs of Osun State according to the law and without trespassing into the sphere of disharmony in the guise of religion.
“As a disciplined religious body, we know that you are the Governor of all the people in Osun State, irrespective of religious or political dichotomy, and thus, we shall not insensitively make any demand on you that will amount to any special favour which may negatively affect the legitimate interest of other religionists.
“Rather, we would urge you to continue to adhere strictly to justice and fairplay for all and sundry in the interest of harmony.
“We have keenly followed your governing prowess since you assumed office as the Governor of this State and we have seen how conscientious you are in dealing with the affairs of the various Nigerian citizens who reside in Osun State without resorting to media propaganda.
“Sir, please accept the assurances of our best regards in encouraging your very good will of serving the people.”
In his remarks, the Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, appreciated MUSWEN leadership for being a uniting force for all Muslim communities and smaller Islamic organisations in South West.
The Governor who thanked the leadership of the organisation for the visit, said it was worthwhile to know that the group had done impressively well in the onerous task of catering for preserving, protecting, promoting and advancing the interests of Islam and Muslims throughout the length and breadth of the South West region since its establishment 13 years ago.
Oyetola said he would continue to do his best in upholding the constitutional responsibilities ascribed to his office by being fair and just to all regardless of faith, religious, political or tribe affiliations.
“I am conscious of my position as the only Muslim Governor in the entire Southern Nigeria and I will always
strive to make Muslims proud of my stewardship as I solicit for your continued support and prayers,” Oyetola added.
Those in attendance were Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Abdulah Binuyo; Commissioner for Human Resources and Capacity Building, Alhaja Latifah Giwa; Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr. Lekan Badmus; Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Alhaji Jamiu Olawumi; MUSWEN Vice President, Alhaji Wale Sonaike; Chairman Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi; members of the topmost echelon of MUSWEN among others.
By Elizabeth Akinteye
