Ogun Muslims Commend Governor Abiodun Over Signing Of Ogun Chieftaincy Act

ABEOKUTA - The Muslim Congress (TMC) has commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for signing into Law, the Ogun State Chieftaincy Bill.

The bill among others seeks to respect the fundamental human rights on religion of traditional rulers in the State especially the ways they will be laid to rest.

In a statement by the Waali (head) of TMC in Ogun State, Dr Abdulrazaq Ogunmoye, described the assent of Governor Abuidun to the bill as timely and needful.

"Following the recent passing out of numbers of traditional rulers in Ogun State, it is high time that the bill re-emphaized the constitutionally recognised rights of traditional rulers to have the liberty to profess and practice the religion they so wish.

"With this new law, it will give level playing ground to all well meaning Ogun indigenes, who are qualified to become king in the State, to wholeheartedly accept the responsibility without fear of being compelled to practice religion other than the one he profess.

"By this new law, we expect traditional rulers who profess traditional religion to be buried according to the rites of such religion and those who practices Islam or Christianity be buried accordingly.

"Henceforth, the controversy over the ways traditional rulers will be buried in Ogun State has finally being led to rest.

"As exemplified by the burial of Olubadan of Ibadan, Soun of Ogbomoso and and Olofin of Ado-Odo, all of whom passed on recently, the burial rites of Muslims traditional rulers should not be delayed as prescribed by Islam and be conducted in accordance with its rites.

"Governor Abiodun has set the pace for other state governors in Nigeria to adopt with respect to the rights of traditional rulers to religion while alive and after their demise.

"We must also commend the Ogun State House of Assembly led by Right Honourable Olakunle Oluomo for their doggedness in giving legal teeth to the issue.

"The 26 members of the Ogun State House of Assembly have written their names in gold by supporting the legislative process involved in the passing into to law the Ogun State Chieftaincy Bill.

"We have noted this remarkable efforts and as you represent in the interest of your constituents in the House Assembly well, the Muslims and other religious conscious citizens of our dear state are solidly behind you in the task.

"We also use this opportunity to commend the paramount ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona for initiating this divine advocacy and his courage to stand by it until it materialises.

"The Awujale has really re-enacted the spirituality of his forefather who are devout Muslims and Islamic scholars institutionalising the celebration of the biggest Islamic festival to coincide with the "Ojude Oba".

"The courageous and exemplary efforts has further endeared the love  Muslims in Ogun State has for Oba Adetona and the confidence reposed in him as President-General of Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC).