ABEOKUTA – The Ogun Revival Platform (ORP) has called for the emergence of a Muslim as the next governor of Ogun State, citing the need to sustain religious balance and inclusive leadership in the state.
In a statement signed by the Ogun East Coordinator of the group, Hon. Ola Olatunde, the platform said the call was in line with the longstanding tradition of rotational inclusion that has helped maintain harmony among the diverse religious communities in the state.
The group noted that Ogun State has enjoyed peaceful coexistence among Christians and Muslims over the years, stressing that leadership reflecting this diversity has contributed to the state’s stability.
According to the statement, the unwritten principle of balancing leadership among major religious groups has strengthened the sense of fairness and belonging among citizens.
ORP stated that as the state moves closer to another governorship election cycle, it is both appropriate and timely for a Muslim to emerge as the next governor in order to sustain the tradition of inclusiveness.
The platform emphasized that its position was not intended to elevate one religion above another but rather to maintain the equilibrium that has historically shaped Ogun State’s political culture.
It further noted that the state has many qualified Muslim leaders with the competence, administrative experience, and vision required to govern effectively.
The group added that combining merit with inclusive representation would deepen public trust in democratic institutions and strengthen unity across the state.
The group, therefore, urged political stakeholders and parties to consider the principle of rotational balance when presenting candidates for the forthcoming governorship election.
The statement maintained that preserving the tradition of inclusive leadership would reinforce fairness, equity, and the collective confidence of the people in the future of Ogun State.
“Beyond the usual political calculations, there exists a longstanding and widely acknowledged tradition that has quietly contributed to the state’s stability: the principle of balance and rotational inclusion in leadership.
“Ogun State is a place where diversity thrives. Christians and Muslims live side by side in communities across the state, often sharing neighborhoods, marketplaces, and even extended family ties.
“For decades, this social harmony has been reinforced by an informal but respected understanding that leadership at the highest level should reflect the diversity of the people.
“This unwritten tradition has helped preserve a sense of fairness and belonging among citizens. While not codified in law, the principle has played an important role in ensuring that no major segment of the population feels excluded from the leadership of the state.
“At this critical point in Ogun State’s political journey, the Ogun Revival Platform (ORP) believes that sustaining this tradition is essential for continued harmony and inclusive governance.
“In line with the spirit of rotational balance that has guided the state’s political culture over the years, it is both appropriate and timely that the next governor of Ogun State should be of Muslim faith.
“This position is not about elevating one religion above another. Rather, it is about maintaining the equilibrium that has historically strengthened the state’s political environment.”
