The Convener of a political group known as Yayi Intellectuals, Hon. Wale Bello has berated, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC over its statement that Ogun State should produce Muslim as the next Governor in 2027.

The APC Chieftain  disclosed this on Monday in a statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Abeokuta.

He said that his stand on who should succeed Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun in 2027  is completely and entirely different from that of the MURIC

According to him, it is high time we jettisoned the tribal and religious sentiment in choosing who govern us in this country.

The statement reads "I read this morning with dismay the release by MURIC on which religion should produce the next governor of Ogun State. In the release, it was stated that a Muslim should succeed our dear governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, because he is a Christian. 

"Yes, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, a Muslim, was succeeded by a Christian. Should that be a yardstick? 

I am not just a Muslim but a practising one for that matter. My grandfather, Yusuf Bello was an Imam in Owu Kingdom of Abeokuta. Moreover, I am also the Muheeb, Deputy Imam of Sanuth Mosque in Sabo, Abeokuta. I was privileged to be among the graduates of Arabic Centres Chief MKO Abiola organised graduation ceremony for at Ake Palace in 1983/84. 

"However, my stand on who should succeed Prince Dapo Abiodun is completely and entirely different from that of the MURIC. It is high time we jettisoned the tribal and religious sentiment in choosing who govern us in this country.

"I remember when the 2023 general election was coming up, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim chose another Muslim, Kashim Shetima, as his running mate. The Christian leaders in the country almost turned upside the country.

 The question I keep asking is if Muslims have benefited more than Christians in this government. There's no special price for the fuel the Muslims buy. We buy goods at the same prices. Looking at it critically, there are more Christians in the government than Muslims, especially from the southern part of the country, "

He noted that the 2027 governorship election will witness the elections that have never happened in the history of Ogun State

"2027 governorship election will witness the elections we have never had in Ogun State. I am optimistic that the loosers at the end of the elections would not go to  tribunal because of what the results would be.

"The electorates in Ogun State are going to put the following into consideration in 2027 elections: The integrity of the aspirants/candidates. The capability to deliver the dividends of democracy putting into consideration the antecedents of the candidates. What have been their contributions to the development of any part of Ogun State? How many people have they been able to take out of poverty?, What political connections do they have to bring benefits to Ogun State if they become governor. Legitimacy, that is, the acceptability among the senatorial districts in the state. The consideration of the district that has never ruled the state as a governor.  The noble Prophet Muhammad says that we are not Muslims until we wish for ourselves what we wish for others. (Note that Rasuulu llah did not say 'until we wish for Muslims')." I am sure Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would have done justice by giving support to Ogun East.

 Indeed, Allah commands justice (al-ʿadl), and good conduct (al-iḥsān), and giving to relatives; and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

Allah commands:

- Justice (al-ʿadl) – Fairness in dealings with all, without bias.

- Goodness (al-iḥsān) – Going beyond justice, acting with compassion and excellence.

- Generosity to kin – Taking care of family ties and being charitable.

*Hadith of the prophet:*

None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.

He therefore appealed to Muslim brothers and sisters not to heat the tensed polity. 

"We are going to vote on the above-mentioned considerations. I am not particular about any aspirant. I am not disputing the fact that I am partisan (I know it will be raised). The 2027 governorship election in Ogun State will be uncommon one" he concluded