Administration Accuses Islamic Group of Misinformation as Religious and Political Tensions Rise
A fresh controversy has erupted in Osun State after the state government strongly rejected allegations that Governor Ademola Adeleke is marginalizing Muslims in his administration.
The dispute began when the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola, accused the Adeleke administration of sidelining Muslims and failing to reflect religious inclusiveness in governance.
However, the Osun State Government has now responded with a forceful rebuttal, accusing the Islamic advocacy group of spreading falsehoods and misleading the public.
In a statement issued in Osogbo, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, insisted that Governor Adeleke remains committed to fairness, inclusiveness, and equal opportunities for citizens regardless of religious affiliation.
Alimi argued that the allegations were either based on inaccurate information or part of a deliberate campaign to distort the realities of the administration.
The commissioner further stated that Professor Akintola should be guided by the teachings of the Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad when commenting on government affairs.
According to the government, several Muslims currently occupy some of the most influential positions within the state administration, a situation it says contradicts claims of marginalization.
Among those cited were the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, and the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, alongside several commissioners, advisers, and agency heads who are Muslims.
The government also highlighted projects it says directly benefit the Muslim community, including the commencement of the Osun Hajj Camp project and the approval of a mosque within the Government House complex for Muslim staff.
But the response did not stop there.
In one of its strongest remarks, the Adeleke administration accused MURIC of mixing political interests with religious advocacy and challenged the organization to openly declare any affiliation with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) if such ties exist.
The government also questioned why MURIC had remained silent over reported incidents involving armed individuals allegedly linked to APC-branded campaign vehicles in parts of the state.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of future elections, the latest confrontation between the Osun government and MURIC is expected to intensify debates around religion, governance, and political influence in the state.
For now, both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions, leaving residents to watch closely as the controversy unfolds.
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