The Muslim community in Oyo State on Thursday awarded state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi as the ‘Most Equitable Governor in The History of Oyo State’, citing Ajimobi’s numerous contributions to the growth of Islam in the State.
The Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni disclosed this at the event held at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, said in his address that the According to Sanni, Ajimobi had done enough to merit the honour, exemplified by the approval of public holiday to mark the first day of the Islamic year.
He also adduced reasons for the honour as institution and maintenance of peaceful relations among various religious adherents, his ensuring fair appointment of Christian and Muslims in public positions and peaceful resolution of hijab crisis in public schools.
“Since January 1st is the beginning of Christian year imposed on us by the Colonialists, the Governor made history by righting the wrongs that had been done against Muslims for ages.”
“Governor Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi had succeeded in maintaining religious peace in Oyo State where his predecessors have failed. That is why he is being honored today.”
“When at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, a consultant was recruited to interview prospective applicants for the principal offices and coincidentally Muslims came first in all, that is the Provost, Bursar and Librarian. Some people went to the governor that it was lopsided in favour of the Muslims.”
“We went to him and showed him empirical evidence that since 1985 that the college was inaugurated, all principal officers were deliberately given to non-Muslims and we never raised a finger. He agreed with us and today the Muslims are there.”
“Ajimobi’s cabinet was balanced between Muslims and Christians and he consulted widely among all religious leaders before taking decisions,” Sanni said.
Sheik Muhideen Ajani and Sheu Abibullah Buhari who delivered lectures at the event described Ajimobi as a special favour and gift from Allah for his unequalled service to the growth of Islam in the State.
Sheik Ajani affirmed the assertion that it was the first time in the history of the State for Muslims to be granted holiday on Hijra Day as well the governor’s sustenance of peaceful coexistence of dwellers.
Ajani called on the people of the State to pray for a good successor after the present administration for Oyo State to enjoy continuity in good governance.
“Let us commend Ajimobi for all his admirable programs that have entrenched peace among all religions and helped bring our state upward, but we must warn and pray against a successor that might deviate from the pursuit of good governance and development of the State,” Ajani said.
The Aare Musulumi of Yoruba, Edo and Delta areas, Alhaji Daud Akinola who deemed the honour fitting, called on politicians to desist from heating up the polity with provocative utterances.
Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo, the Secretary to the State government, Mr Olalekan Alli; Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdulganiy Abubakr (Ajigbotomokemere), Professor Daud Noibi and Dr Kamil Olodo.
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