Oyo Government Defends Makinde Against MURIC’s Anti-Islam Allegation

The Oyo State Government has rejected allegations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that Governor Seyi Makinde is anti-Islam, insisting that his record of engagement with the Muslim community contradicts the claims.

The government’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, who described the allegation as baseless.

“One of the oldest principles of justice is that actions speak louder than words. By that standard, the allegation by the Muslim Rights Concern that Governor Seyi Makinde is anti-Islam falls flat on its face,” Olanrewaju said.

He argued that Makinde’s history of supporting Islamic activities included building mosques before entering public office, employing imams, supporting Islamic programmes, donating buses to Muslim organisations and recognising the Islamic New Year with a public holiday.

According to the statement, Makinde built the Omituntun Mosque and employed a resident imam long before becoming governor. The Olanrewaju-led statement also noted that the Omituntun family had maintained longstanding engagement with the Muslim community through Ramadan lectures and other Islamic programmes.

Olanrewaju said these activities were significant because they took place before Makinde acquired political power or sought public office, arguing that they demonstrated his relationship with the Muslim community beyond electoral considerations.

He challenged critics to identify any Islamic practice abolished, Muslim institution proscribed, Islamic celebration banned or Muslim right withdrawn by the Makinde administration since 2019.

“The answer is simple: none. On the contrary, his administration formally recognised the significance of the Islamic calendar by declaring a work-free day to commemorate Hijrah, the Islamic New Year,” he said.

Addressing allegations that Muslim students and teachers were compelled to participate in Christmas carols and Christian crusades, the government said no official directive, circular, executive instruction or policy had been presented to establish that Makinde ordered or approved such activities.

Olanrewaju also defended the demolition of the Adogba Central Mosque during the reconstruction of the Iwo Road Interchange. He said the governor visited the mosque before its demolition, worshipped alongside Muslims, explained why the structure had to give way and promised that it would be rebuilt.

According to the government, Makinde fulfilled the commitment and handed over a reconstructed mosque equipped with modern facilities to the Muslim community.

The statement noted that prominent Islamic leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, attended the commissioning of the rebuilt mosque.

Olanrewaju maintained that the government had not received evidence showing that Makinde abolished Islamic practices, withdrew rights enjoyed by Muslims or introduced policies intended to restrict the practice of Islam.

He said the governor’s record instead reflected engagement with Muslim organisations, support for Islamic activities, recognition of religious celebrations and efforts to protect the rights of different religious communities.

The government also argued that Makinde’s conduct before and during his administration offered an indication of how he would approach religious rights and inclusion if elected president.