Daud Olatunji
The Wakeelul Muslimeen of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Iskil Awwal, popularly known as Sugar, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider prominent Ogun State indigenes for federal appointments, while also urging the Ogun State Government to declare the Hijrah public holiday.
Speaking exclusively with PLATFORM TIMES to mark the Islamic New Year, the cleric said the appeal was driven by what he described as the need for fairness, inclusion and equitable representation of Ogun State in the current administration.
“I want to appeal to our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I was part of those who worked for his emergence,” Awwal said.
He added, “At a time when the Hausa community was not in support, we mobilised key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and political leaders, to ensure acceptance.”
Awwal, who also identified himself as As-Shaykh Al-Imam Muhammad Awwal, said he played a key role alongside other Yoruba leaders in rallying support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
He recalled that a delegation comprising former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; the Ooni of Ife; and former Osun State governor, Bisi Akande, among others, visited the Sultan of Sokoto in Sokoto to seek northern backing for Tinubu’s presidential bid.
The cleric specifically urged the President to consider the appointment of former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun; former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole; former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola; and Abdul Jelil Amusan into federal positions.
He said, “We are pleading that they are given their rightful positions for the betterment of Ogun State and Yoruba land.”
According to him, such appointments would promote fairness, unity and development in Ogun State and the broader Yoruba region.
Awwal also urged the Ogun State Government to declare a public holiday for Hijrah, aligning with other South-West states such as Oyo and Osun, as well as several northern states that already observe the Islamic New Year.
“As the Wakeelul Muslimeen, I want to commend Oyo and Osun states for declaring Hijrah holiday. I am appealing to the Ogun State Government to do the same next year in the interest of religious inclusivity and unity,” he said.
The Hijrah celebration marks the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina and signifies the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar observed by Muslims worldwide.
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