MURIC countered the governor, insisting that the governor is “manifesting symptoms of personality crisis syndrome which often results in confusion in personal identity”.
An Islamic organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has knocked Governor Ademola Adeleke for claiming to be the first executive governor of Osun State to practise both Islam and Christianity.
MURIC countered the governor, insisting that the governor is “manifesting symptoms of personality crisis syndrome which often results in confusion in personal identity”.
In a statement issued by the group's Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC argued that nobody can be a Muslim and a Christian at the same time.
He said, "The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, recently declared that he was the first executive Governor of Osun State to practice both Islam and Christianity.
"Adeleke made the declaration while answering questions at the second edition of the public enlightenment programme tagged 'Ipade Imole', held in Ilesa on Tuesday, 30th April, 2024.
"We are nonplussed by this declaration made by Governor Ademola Adeleke. It is egregious, odious, insidious and odoriferous. Nobody can be a Muslim and a Christian at the same time. It is either he is genuinely serious with one and hypocritical with the other, or he is playing Jekyll and Hyde with God Almighty whereas nobody can deceive God.
"It is the height of hypocrisy for anyone to make such a claim.”
“Adeleke does not know who he is and where he belongs. Our governor needs the help of a psychologist,” the group said.
It said, "A true religion must not be like flashy products where you buy one and get another one free. Otherwise Adeleke should let Nigerians know which one he is paying for and which one he is buying free.
"Adeleke is a Yoruba man and he is not unaware of a Yoruba proverb which says, 'Bi o ba fe je Oshakala ki o je Oshakala, bi o ba si fe je Oshokolo ki o je Oshokolo, ewo ni Shakala Shokolo?' Meaning: if you want to be Oshakala, then be Oshakala and if you want to be Oshokolo, feel free to be Oshokolo, but which one is Shakala Shokolo? The governor's behaviour contravenes the Omoluabi culture of the Yoruba people.”
It noted that Adeleke fails to understand that “MURIC is not saying that a governor must be a Muslim before the Muslims accept him”.
It said, “All we are asking for is fairness, justice and equity. A just Christian governor will enjoy the Muslims under him. It is only Christian rulers who marginalise Muslims and persecute them that we rise against.
"Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Bola Ige, etc were Christians who ruled in the South West in the past. Muslims did not reject them. Why is Adeleke jittery?
"Adeleke made three unacceptable declarations in his speech. Firstly, he said he would soon become Alhaji and Prophet. Our position is that he is free to become a Christian prophet any time but he is going to make a caricature of himself the day he attempts to become an Alhaji.
"Secondly, he claimed to be the first executive Governor of Osun State to practise both Islam and Christianity. This is an illusion. Adeleke is living in the world of self-deceit. He may have been practising Christianity but he does not practice Islam and he himself knows it.
"Thirdly, the governor also said no religion would be neglected in the delivery of dividends of democracy. He can say that to the marines. Has he been practising what he is now preaching? If so, was he not the same governor who appointed 17 Christians as commissioners but could only find 7 Muslims appointable? Has he not neglected Muslims?
"We advise the governor to stop playing hide and seek with his Creator. God is a Merciful Lord. He listens to all regardless of their creed, race, gender or colour.
"Adeleke is insulting the collective intelligence of Muslims in Osun State. Even politicians do not accept those who exhibit divided loyalty. You are either inside or outside. There is nothing like one leg in, one leg out. Adeleke should stop desecrating the religion of Islam with his shakala-shokolo antics."