The Oyo State Government has dismissed allegations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that Governor Seyi Makinde is anti-Islam, saying the governor’s actions over the years prove otherwise.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Wednesday, the government said one of the oldest principles of justice is that actions speak louder than words, and by that standard, MURIC’s claim falls flat.
“Enemies of Islam do not build mosques years before seeking public office. They do not employ Imams. They do not organise and support Islamic programmes. They do not donate buses to Muslim organisations. They do not recognise the Islamic New Year with a public holiday. And they certainly do not worship alongside Muslims before undertaking a public project and then fulfil a public commitment to rebuild a mosque affected by that project. Yet these are precisely some of the actions associated with Governor Makinde,” the statement said.
The government noted that long before becoming governor, Makinde built the Omituntun Mosque and employed a resident Imam, adding that for years, the Omituntun family maintained engagement with the Muslim community through Ramadan lectures and Islamic programmes.
“This is significant because it predates political power, state resources and any ambition for higher office. It was undertaken at a time when there was no public office to defend and no election to contest,” it said.
The statement asked what Islamic practice Makinde has abolished, what Muslim institution he has proscribed, or what Muslim right he has withdrawn since becoming governor.
“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,” the government stated.
On MURIC’s allegations regarding Christmas carols in schools and attendance at Christian crusades, the government said they remain allegations without proof.
“No official directive, circular, executive instruction or policy of the Oyo State Government has been produced showing that Governor Makinde ordered or approved the alleged forcing of Muslim students or teachers to participate in Christmas carol activities or Christian crusades,” it said.
Addressing the demolition of the Adogba Central Mosque during the reconstruction of the Iwo Road Interchange, the government said critics omit the fact that Makinde personally visited the mosque, worshipped with Muslims, explained why the structure had to give way and publicly committed to rebuilding it.
“He fulfilled that commitment and handed over the mosque with many modern facilities to the community. The commissioning was attended by eminent Muslim leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims. Would the Sultan publicly align himself with a programme meant to estrange Muslims? The answer is a loud ‘No’,” the statement added.
The government challenged MURIC to name one Islamic practice Makinde abolished, one Muslim right he revoked, one Islamic institution he dismantled, or one policy designed to suppress Islam.
“What the public record shows instead is a longstanding pattern of engagement with the Muslim community, support for Islamic activities, recognition of the Islamic New Year, assistance to Muslim organisations and the rebuilding of the Adogba Mosque.
“The available facts tell a story of inclusion rather than exclusion, engagement rather than hostility,” it said, adding that Makinde would continue to uphold the constitutional rights of all Nigerians regardless of religion.
