By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State’s incumbent governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the upcoming November 16 gubernatorial election, has assured residents of fair and inclusive governance, regardless of religious background, if re-elected.

This assurance followed a significant endorsement from the state’s Muslim community during an event at the International Culture and Events Centre in Akure.

At the endorsement ceremony, which also featured an empowerment program, Alhaji Sheikh Ahmad Olagoke Aladesawe, Chief Imam of Owo and Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ondo State, expressed unified support for Governor Aiyedatiwa, offering prayers for a peaceful election. Similarly, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Baba Adinni of Owo Kingdom, stated, “As we stood by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the presidential election, we are ready to do the same for Governor Aiyedatiwa,” adding that the community was fully committed to participating in the political process.

The Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, described Aiyedatiwa’s leadership as divinely guided, predicting that the upcoming election would be the most peaceful in the state’s history. He praised the governor’s inclusion of Muslims in political appointments and expressed confidence in positive outcomes for the state.

In a goodwill message, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, the Olubaka of Oka Land, commended the Muslim community’s show of support and advocated for increased recruitment of Arabic teachers and government-funded schools to promote Islamic education.

Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, Chief Imam of Akure, noted that with this endorsement, “the governor can now sleep with both eyes closed,” confident of electoral victory. Akorede also urged the governor to further increase Muslim representation within the administration, stating that the community “stands solidly behind him.”

The event concluded with the presentation of an award for Excellence to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the launch of an empowerment initiative providing equipment to foster economic self-sufficiency within the Muslim community.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, in response, thanked the Muslim community for their support, assuring that inclusivity would remain a cornerstone of his administration. He pledged that all residents, regardless of faith, would be granted equal rights and opportunities in Ondo State.