By John Dike, Osogbo
Muslim stakeholders in Osun State have called on the Muslim Ummah to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while also rallying behind Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The call was made during the 2026 Ramadan Lecture and distribution of Ramadan packages organised by the Concerned Muslim Stakeholders in collaboration with the League of Alfas in Osun State.
Speaking at the event, the President of the group, Sheikh Qozeem Abdul Rahaman, said the gathering was aimed at strengthening unity among Muslims while also reflecting on the theme of the lecture, titled “We Are Not Where We Ought To Be, Nor Are We Where We Used To Be.”
According to him, the theme highlights the journey of the Muslim community through various social and political circumstances, urging members of the Ummah to remain steadfast and united.
He noted that the Ramadan package initiative distributed to Muslims across the state was facilitated through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the gesture as unprecedented.
Rahaman said while Muslims and Yoruba people had previously occupied the presidency, it was the first time a sitting president had distributed Ramadan packages to the Muslim Ummah across Yorubaland and the country.
He urged beneficiaries and the Muslim community to show appreciation for the gesture, stressing that Islam encourages gratitude for acts of kindness.
Citing the Holy Qur’an, Surah Ibrahim Chapter 14 Verse 7, the cleric said Allah enjoins believers to be grateful for blessings, assuring that gratitude attracts more divine favour.
Despite the appreciation, the group also expressed concerns over what it described as inadequate political representation of Muslims from the Southwest in federal appointments.
Rahaman appealed to President Tinubu to ensure fairness and equity in the distribution of political opportunities to reflect the diversity within the region.
“As Muslims, we appreciate the efforts of Mr. President and we pray that he continues to remember the Muslim community in the Southwest in federal appointments and other opportunities,” he said.
The stakeholders also drew attention to the political situation in the southern part of Nigeria, noting that none of the seventeen southern states currently has a Muslim governor in the Southwest.
Describing the situation as worrisome, Rahaman said the Muslim community must begin to mobilise and support credible Muslim candidates in order to change the narrative.
Quoting Surah Ar-Ra’d Chapter 13 Verse 11, he noted that Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.
The group specifically urged Muslims in Osun State to support Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as a committed Muslim and a reliable leader capable of providing inclusive leadership.
According to the cleric, Oyebamiji’s leadership qualities and longstanding commitment to the Muslim community make him a suitable candidate deserving of the support of the Ummah.
He urged Muslims to remain united and ensure their political participation reflects their values and aspirations for fairness and equity in governance.
The event also featured prayers for the peace, unity and development of Osun State and Nigeria as Muslims continue the Ramadan fast.
The statement was jointly signed by Sheikh Qozeem Abdul Rahaman, President of Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and League of Alfas in Osun State, and Mallam Abdulganiy Sahid Olaide Ezra, Secretary-General of the group.
