By John Dike, Osogbo
The Directorate of Politics and Governance (DPG), the political arm of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has demanded for a Christian to emerge as the next governor of Osun State.
It cited equity, fairness, and religious balance as core reasons for its position.
In a statement jointly signed by the DPG State Director, Rev. Isaac Alamu, and Secretary, Rev. Walter Aworanti, the group emphasized that the Christian community in Osun State deserves a turn at the governorship seat, having been underrepresented in the state’s political leadership since its creation.
The declaration followed a one-day seminar held in Osogbo, the state capital, with participation from DPG executives and representatives across all 30 local government areas and the Modakeke-Ife Area Office.
The PFN-DPG also challenged what it described as “misleading” demographic data claiming that Muslims make up 67 percent of the state’s population.
According to the group, more credible figures indicate that Christians represent 47 percent of the population, Muslims 43 percent, and adherents of other religions make up the remaining 10 percent.
“Out of the seven civilian governors Osun State has had, only one — Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola — was a Christian,” the statement noted.
“The remaining six — Senators Isiaka Adeleke and Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, Chief Bisi Akande, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola — are Muslims. By the time the current administration ends in 2026, Muslims would have governed Osun State for 22 years, compared to just seven years by a Christian.”
The group also criticized the Federal Government over what it termed religious imbalance in the appointment of principal officers at two newly established federal universities in the state.
It said, “At the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akeem Lasisi; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Monsur Adeleke; and Registrar, Mr. Kassim Kayode Babawale are all Muslims.
“In the same vein, at the Federal University of Agriculture and Development, Iragbiji, all key appointments — Vice Chancellor, Prof. Atayese Muftau; Registrar, Mr. Afolabi Tunde Muritala; Bursar, Mr. Akeem Adeniyi; and Librarian, Mr. Wasiu Olayide Lawal — are also Muslims. These are federal institutions, funded by public resources, and they should reflect the religious diversity of the state.”
The PFN-DPG urged President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to demonstrate sensitivity to Nigeria’s secular constitution in future appointments.
Furthermore, the group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Christians aspiring to participate in politics, irrespective of their party affiliation.
Speaking at the event, PFN State Chairman, Prophet Isaiah Adelowokan (represented by Bishop Adesola Olubadejo), along with guest speakers — Barr. Segun Durotolu, former chairman of Ila Local Government, and Bishop Seun Adeoye, a former chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Osun encouraged Christians to become more politically active.
They stressed that increased Christian involvement in governance would promote accountability, moral values, and inclusivity.
