_Across 17 Southern states, 16 have Christian governors and only three Muslim deputy governors, while Ademola Adeleke remains inconsistent on religion._
By
Amb. Salam Mustapha Olamilekan
This intervention is driven by conscience, responsibility, and the urgent need to interrogate what many observers describe as a troubling pattern of political inconsistency in Osun State. It is not an attack on any faith, region, or group, but a call for honest reflection on leadership, fairness, and the role religion should play in governance.
Across Southern Nigeria’s 17 states, leadership statistics reveal a notable imbalance: sixteen states are governed by Christians, while Muslim representation at the deputy governorship level is limited to only three states—Lagos State, Oyo State, and Ogun State.
Nigeria is a deeply diverse nation where religion often plays a sensitive but influential role in politics. When handled with sincerity and balance, it can promote unity and understanding. However, when it is manipulated or deployed as a political strategy, it risks deepening mistrust and division.
Many critics argue that this pattern is increasingly visible in the administration of Ademola Adeleke in Osun State. During election campaigns, religious identity often appears prominently in political messaging. Yet in governance, some stakeholders believe that such symbolism is not always matched with clear policies of inclusion or balanced representation.
Observers say the current administration often relies on dramatic public gestures and symbolic appearances that generate headlines but leave questions about policy depth and administrative direction. For many citizens, governance should go beyond optics and emotional appeal; it should reflect consistent principles, fairness, and measurable development.
For segments of the Muslim community in Osun State, the concern is that their religious identity appears prominently during campaign seasons but receives less consideration in governance decisions. Whether perception or reality, this sentiment highlights the need for leadership that avoids the politicization of religion and instead promotes genuine inclusiveness.
As Osun State approaches the 2026 governorship election, voters will likely reflect on what type of leadership they desire—one built on symbolism and shifting narratives, or one grounded in clarity, competence, and consistency.
Supporters of Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, alongside his running mate Benjamin Kayode Adereti, argue that their leadership offers an alternative vision rooted in administrative experience, discipline, and a commitment to balanced governance. They maintain that governance should prioritize service delivery, development, and unity over theatrics or identity politics.
Ultimately, the debate is not about religious supremacy or domination. It is about restoring credibility to leadership, encouraging fairness in representation, and ensuring that governance reflects integrity, competence, and consistency.
Osun State deserves leadership that transcends sentiment and spectacle, Leadership capable of guiding the state toward stability, inclusion, and genuine progress.
*Amb. Salam Mustapha Olamilekan*
Public Analyst, Ambassador of the Renewed Hope Agenda
Ifе East LGA, and Osun State Chairman, Integrity Group of Nigeria.
