Taxpayers Built Them… So Who Owns Them? A Constitutional Question That May Redefine Justice in Ogun State

 

The attention of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, has been drawn to the recent disclosure by the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, concerning the planned return of certain public schools to missionary bodies.

This development, coming shortly after a high-powered Christian delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, raises serious concerns and unsettling questions. The delegation reportedly included the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, alongside prominent clerics such as the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, and the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, among other church officials.

Following this visit, the demand for the return of schools to missionary ownership appears to have gained immediate traction. The speed and nature of this development leave much to be desired in terms of fairness, equity, and constitutional compliance.

This position was contained in a statement issued by the State Chairman of MURIC, Ustaadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, and made public by the State Secretary, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare.

It reads;

It is both disturbing and disheartening that, in a democratic society governed by law, some individuals or groups still insist that public schools belong exclusively to them.

Many of these schools were built on lands generously donated by host communities made up of Muslims, Christians, and traditional wworshipper who came together with a shared vision of development and educational advancement.

 These lands were not donated for private ownership but for public service.

 *How then does a collective sacrifice suddenly become the exclusive claim of a particular group?* 

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) in Section 42 clearly guarantees freedom from discrimination on the basis of religion or ethnicity.

Section 17(2)(a) states that every citizen shall have equal rights, obligations, and opportunities before the law.

If public funds, taxpayers’ money, were used to build, maintain, and manage these schools, can they legally and morally be handed over to a particular religious group?

This is the constitutional dilemma now confronting Ogun State.

While we express concern over this development, we must also look inward. It is deeply troubling that some individuals within the Muslim community, who enjoy proximity to power, appear to have traded the collective interest of millions for personal gains, be it in the form of seasonal benefits, appointments, influence, or recognition.

History is replete with examples of individuals who once held influence but are now remembered for their silence in times of injustice. The pages of history do not forget.

Our questions That Demand Answers are;

 *Can Islamic leaders in Ogun State make similar demands and receive equal, swift attention?* 

Is this a government for all, or for a select few?

Are we witnessing fairness,or selective justice?

These are not mere questions. They are cries from a concerned community seeking reassurance in a system that should protect all equally.

Schools funded, built, and regulated by the government, using public resources,are now at risk of being transferred. This raises a fundamental question:

What becomes of the rights and identity of Muslim students and communities within such institutions?

Let it be clearly stated: not all Christians support intolerance. However, it is evident that many act collectively to protect their interests. Unfortunately, when Muslims seek unity, internal divisions often weaken their position.

We call on sincere and principled Muslim leaders, those who have been sidelined, marginalized, or even persecuted for speaking the truth,to remain steadfast.

Your sacrifices are not in vain. Your voices represent the conscience of the community.And history will honour you.

Finally, we understand the pain, the fears, and the growing concerns about the future of Islam and Muslims in Ogun State. But we urge patience, resilience, and unwavering faith.

Justice may be delayed, but it is never permanently denied. Let it be known:

History is watching. The Constitution is speaking. And the people are awakening.

 *Signed* 

Ustaadh Jimoh Tajudeen Alao.

 Chairman, MURIC, Ogun State Chapter

 Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare

Secretary, MURIC, Ogun State Chapter.