Oyebamiji and Adeleke
The Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Mr. Benjamin Adereti, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke as a religious hypocrite, questioning the governor’s religious identity.
Adereti made the remarks during the 70th anniversary celebration of Union Baptist Church, Osogbo, where he insisted that the APC was not playing politics with religion and had clearly defined the religious identity of its governorship ticket.
Addressing the congregation, Adereti said the APC presented a Muslim-Christian ticket, with Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, a Muslim, as the governorship candidate and himself, a Christian, as the running mate. He contrasted the APC ticket with that of the Accord Party, claiming the religious identity of Governor Adeleke remains unclear.
The APC deputy governorship candidate also expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the August 15 governorship election, saying the people of Osun State were ready to vote massively for the APC.
Reacting, Governor Ademola Adeleke challenged the APC to compare its record in government with the achievements of his administration for the Muslim community.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor, while addressing members of the Muslim community in Osogbo, said his administration had recorded more achievements for Muslims than previous administrations.
Adeleke stated that his government was close to completing the Osun Hajj Camp, a project he said previous administrations failed to deliver despite being in office.
He also said his administration was constructing a mosque within the Government House, noting that earlier governments, despite presenting themselves as committed Muslims, did not consider such a project.
The governor further said many of his principal officers and cabinet members are Muslims, adding that his administration has ensured fair representation for Muslims in government appointments and other areas.
Adeleke maintained that the achievements of his administration should serve as the basis for judging commitment to the Muslim community, insisting that his government’s actions speak louder than claims of religious identity.
Vanguard