Osogbo, Nigeria – June 14, 2026
The Osun State Government has strongly rejected allegations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that Governor Ademola Adeleke is sidelining Muslims in his administration, describing the claims as misleading and politically motivated.
The controversy erupted after MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, accused the governor of creating a religious imbalance in government appointments and marginalising Muslims in key positions.
In a swift response, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, dismissed the allegations, insisting that Governor Adeleke’s administration remains committed to fairness, inclusiveness, and equal opportunities for all residents regardless of religious affiliation.
According to the government, several Muslims currently occupy strategic positions within the administration, including the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, and the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, among others.
The state government also highlighted projects it said demonstrate its support for the Muslim community, including the ongoing construction of the Osun Hajj Camp and the approval of a mosque within the Government House for Muslim staff members.
Alimi accused MURIC of relying on inaccurate information and urged the organisation to verify facts before making public statements. He further argued that governance should be assessed based on performance, development projects, healthcare, education, security, and economic growth rather than religious considerations.
The government also challenged MURIC to openly condemn recent incidents of political violence allegedly linked to opposition party supporters in parts of the state.
The dispute follows MURIC’s criticism of a recent list of commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Adeleke, which the organisation claimed reflected religious imbalance.
As the debate continues, the Osun State Government maintains that its administration remains committed to serving all citizens equally, irrespective of religious or political affiliations.
Reporting by SUNTV Global Channel
