An Islamic organisation in Ondo State has expressed concerns over what it describes as the systematic exclusion of Muslims from key government positions, including the High Court bench and permanent secretary cadre, despite qualified candidates from the faith community being available for appointment.

According to the At-Tanzil Islamic Foundation, while speaking to newsmen in Akure, the state capital, as part of its 20th anniversary commemorations, the state government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was not operating an inclusive administration that reflects the religious diversity of the state.

The group cited the composition of the Ondo State High Court, where it disclosed that no Muslim currently serves as a judge, despite a Muslim candidate emerging as the top performer in the most recent judicial appointment examination.

The Foundation’s Founder and Chairman, Alhaji AbdulRafiu Ajiboye Lagbaji, who also serves as the Ondo State Chairman of the Yoruba Council of Islamic Preachers, expressed disappointment over the representation of Muslims in the state’s bureaucratic leadership.

He pointed to the selection process for permanent secretaries, where Muslim civil servants were allegedly pushed to the background during recent appointments.

The cleric urged Aiyedatiwa to take immediate steps to address what he termed an imbalance in the political and administrative structure of the state.

“We urge the governor to run an inclusive government that will give Muslims equal opportunities to serve in key positions in the state,” Lagbaji stated.

He added that the foundation is advocating for balanced recognition of people of all faiths in the governance of the state, proposing a model where a Muslim could serve as deputy governor to a Christian governor.

While acknowledging the Governor’s “listening ears” on other matters, the Islamic leader appealed for urgent intervention to prevent imminent flooding in the state, which he said posed a significant threat to communities.

Lagbaji also identified rising cost of living, inflation, and the removal of fuel subsidies as factors that have placed food, transport, and healthcare beyond the reach of many households in the country.

“The Federal Government has continued to provide commendableness, alongside strained healthcare access that leaves many families unable to afford basic or maternal care.

Reflecting on the foundation’s two decades of service, Lagbaji described the journey from a modest community initiative to what he called one of Ondo State’s most trusted vehicles for faith-based humanitarian work.

“For 20 years, this foundation has stood as a beacon of compassion, education, and community empowerment, guided by the timeless values of Islamic charity, Zakat, Sadaqah, and the principle that no one should be left behind,” he said.

He explained that the foundation have touched the lives of orphans, widows, students, and families across the state, with interventions including support for orphans and vulnerable children through education and welfare programs, empowerment of widows and women through skills acquisition training.

“The 20th anniversary will be marked with a week of activities, including a courtesy visit to the Osemawe Palace in Ondo, visits to charity homes, a visit to the Correctional Centre in Ondo, and a book launch scheduled for Saturday, August 15.

“The grand finale, scheduled for Sunday, August 16, will be graced by His Highness Khalifa Dr. Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, while the Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, will deliver the second lecture during the anniversary.”