By Ishola Balogun
The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the marginalisation of Muslim s in political appointments and governance within the state, vowing not to support any political party that presents non-Muslim for governor in the next general election.
At its maiden General Assembly held last Saturday at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, the group lamented the exclusion of Muslims in key sectors, particularly education, and called for the recruitment of Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers in public schools.
In a strongly worded resolution, the Assembly declared that Muslims would not support any political party that fields a non-Muslim candidate in the 2027 governorship election. “We cannot continue to be sidelined in our own state. The Muslim community will only support a candidate who represents our values and interests,” the communique stated.
The gathering, which drew over 1,000 Muslims from various divisions and local governments across Lagos, was marked by passionate debates, motions, and unanimous resolutions. Members adopted the provisional financial report for 2024 and 2025 pending audit, ratified trustee nominations, and endorsed the new constitution of the community, which introduces the Islamic system of Shurah for electing officers.
Speakers at the event underscored the need for Muslims to unite and participate actively in politics. The Assembly urged the Lagos State Government to ensure religious balance in the appointment of Tutors General and Permanent Secretaries across the six educational districts, and called for the recruitment of Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers in public schools. It also appealed to the government to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling on the use of hijab by female Muslim students and to address what it described as the marginalisation of Muslims in health institutions and political appointments.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Alhaji Tajudeen Afolabi highlighted the problem of poor followership, noting that selfishness, unethical conduct, and indifference among citizens have contributed to bad governance. “The followers must rise above laid-back attitudes and unwholesome acts if we are to achieve meaningful change,” he said.
Prof. Saheed Timehin of Lagos State University (LASU) stressed the importance of value change, collective responsibility, and active participation in governance. Prof. Nasir Onibon added that good leadership is a reflection of good followership, urging citizens to embrace self-reappraisal and sincerity of purpose. “Once the followers are good, the leaders will get it right,” he remarked. Prof. AbdulKabir Paramole, also of LASU, illustrated how dishonesty and corruption among followers undermine development, warning against the culture of inflating costs and misrepresenting facts. He cautioned against cursing leaders over policies perceived to be harsh, insisting that followers must also play their part in nation-building.
The Assembly ratified the nomination of trustees including Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, Chief Bode Oyedele, Imam Yahyah Ishola, Dr. Abdulkareem Seriki, Alhaja Muhibat Wonu Folami, Ramlat Muri Okunola, and Alhaja Rasaqat Tobun. The new constitution was presented by Barr. Mubashir Ojelade, Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, who explained that it clearly defines eligibility, tenure, and procedures for electing officers.
The four-hour event was highly participatory, with members raising questions, offering insights, and adopting motions through voice votes. The Assembly concluded with a strong call for Muslims in Lagos to unite, entrench Islamic values in their families, and play a decisive role in shaping the political future of the state.