Fresh controversy has erupted over the recent Pilgrims Board Appointments in Delta State, as members of the Muslim community have accused the government of sidelining indigenous Muslims in the composition of the Delta State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Key Highlights
•Delta Muslim Council raises concerns over recent Pilgrims Board Appointments.
•Indigenous Muslims allegedly sidelined in favour of non-indigenes.
•Muslim leaders demand equitable representation across senatorial districts.
•Council questions appointment of Delta Central representative.
•Group calls on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to review the appointments.
•Stakeholders warn against actions that could fuel discontent within the Muslim community.
•Delta State Government yet to officially respond to the allegations.
A leadership member of the Delta State Muslim community, Abdulsalam Ogan, who serves as the Publicity Secretary of the Delta State Muslim Council, voiced the concerns in a statement issued on Sunday.
Ogan described the composition of the board as unfair to indigenous Muslim communities, arguing that the recent Pilgrims Board Appointments have generated widespread dissatisfaction among stakeholders who believe qualified indigenous Muslims should be given priority in managing matters relating to religious welfare and pilgrimage administration.
According to him, many members of the Muslim community are troubled by what they perceive as a growing pattern of exclusion, particularly in appointments linked to religious institutions that directly affect indigenous faithful.
He specifically questioned the appointment of a representative for Delta Central Senatorial District, maintaining that there are competent and experienced indigenous Muslims within the district who are capable of serving effectively on the board.
“The concern among many faithful is that indigenous Muslims are increasingly being overlooked in appointments that ought to reflect fairness, inclusiveness, and local representation,” Ogan stated.
He further alleged that the appointments reflect a broader trend that has continued to marginalise indigenous Muslim communities across Delta State.
The Muslim Council spokesman urged the Delta State Government to reconsider the appointments and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that future selections reflect equity, competence, and balanced representation.
Ogan warned that ignoring the concerns raised by members of the Muslim community could deepen grievances and create avoidable divisions among stakeholders.
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He therefore appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to review the Pilgrims Board Appointments and take necessary steps to foster unity, fairness, and inclusiveness within the state’s Muslim community.
According to him, equitable representation remains critical to maintaining confidence in institutions established to serve the welfare and spiritual interests of Muslim faithful across Delta State.
As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
