Ondo State Governor and the All Progressives Congress candidate in the November 16 governorship election, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged fair and inclusive governance for all residents, regardless of religious background, if re-elected.
This commitment followed a significant endorsement from the state’s Muslim community at an event held at the International Culture and Events Centre in Akure.
During the endorsement ceremony, which included an empowerment program, Alhaji Sheikh Ahmad Olagoke Aladesawe, Chief Imam of Owo and Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ondo State, expressed unified support for Governor Aiyedatiwa, offering prayers for a peaceful election. Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Baba Adinni of Owo Kingdom, added, “As we stood by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the presidential election, we are ready to do the same for Governor Aiyedatiwa,” affirming the community’s commitment to the political process.
The Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, described Aiyedatiwa’s leadership as divinely guided and predicted that the upcoming election would be the most peaceful in the state’s history.
He commended the governor’s inclusion of Muslims in political appointments, expressing optimism for the state’s future under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.
In a goodwill message, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, the Olubaka of Oka Land, applauded the Muslim community’s support and advocated for more recruitment of Arabic teachers and government-supported schools to enhance Islamic education.
The Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, noted that with this endorsement, “the governor can now sleep with both eyes closed,” confident of victory. He urged the governor to continue increasing Muslim representation within his administration, stating that the community “stands solidly behind him.”
The event concluded with the presentation of an award for Excellence to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the launch of an empowerment initiative aimed at supporting economic self-sufficiency within the Muslim community.
In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the Muslim community for their support and emphasized that inclusivity would remain central to his administration. He pledged that all residents, regardless of faith, would enjoy equal rights and opportunities in Ondo State.
