Osun 2026: Muslim Stakeholders Raise Concerns Over Religious Representation, Endorse Oyebamiji

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

A coalition of Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and the League of Alfas in Osun State has expressed concern over what it described as religious imbalance in the state’s political leadership, while endorsing the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The endorsement was announced during a press conference titled “State of the Nation,” where the group said its decision followed an extensive assessment of the leading candidates, their track records, commitment to socio-religious balance, and political viability.

The statement was jointly signed by the President of the Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and League of Alfas, Osun State, Sheikh Qozeem AbdulRahaman, and the group’s Secretary-General, Mallam Abdulganiy Sahid Olaide Ezra.

According to the group, although the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Hon. Najeem Salam, is a respected Muslim, it considers Oyebamiji the most viable Muslim candidate because of what it described as his political structure and statewide support needed to win the election.

The stakeholders also condemned the recent wave of political violence and killings in Osun State, describing the development as disturbing and calling on politicians across party lines to embrace peace.

Quoting the Holy Qur’an, the group stressed the sanctity of human life and urged political actors to shun violence, noting that political power ultimately belongs to God.

On religious representation, the coalition accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of failing to meet the expectations of many Muslims despite presenting the governor as a Muslim during the 2022 governorship campaign.

The group further alleged that Muslims have been politically marginalised under the current administration and expressed opposition to what it described as the continuation of a Christian-Christian governorship ticket.

It maintained that its position was not based on opposition to Christians occupying public office but on what it described as the need for fairness, equity, and adequate representation of the Muslim community in the state’s leadership.

The stakeholders also raised concerns over the treatment of Muslims at Adeleke University, Ede, and questioned what they described as the level of support the Adeleke family has provided to Muslim causes. They urged voters to consider issues of equity and religious inclusion as they prepare for the forthcoming governorship election.

Calling on Muslims across Osun State to unite behind Oyebamiji’s candidacy, the group said it believes the APC candidate offers the best opportunity to promote what it described as balanced and inclusive leadership.

The coalition also prayed for sustained peace in Osun State and urged all political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully ahead of the August 15 governorship election.