The League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State has strongly opposed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s proposal to return public schools in the state to their original missionary owners, describing the move as ill-advised, provocative, and unjustifiable.
Governor Abiodun had recently announced plans to revert missionary-founded schools back to religious bodies as part of efforts to deepen partnerships and improve educational development in the state.
He made the statement while receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The delegation also included Catholic Bishops Francis Obafemi Adesina of Ijebu-Ode and Peter Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, alongside other church leaders.
The governor explained that his administration is open to collaboration with private and religious institutions, noting that such partnerships would help expand access to quality education.
“We will return all missionary schools to their owners. It is not our policy to do it alone. We need to join hands with private individuals, and we encourage further partnership with the Church to expand development,” he said.
However, in a statement released on Monday by its Secretary General, Imam Tajudeen Mustafa Adewunmi, the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State rejected the proposal, saying it reflects a misunderstanding of history and undermines fairness in a diverse society.
The group argued that public schools were originally nationalised to prevent sectarian control, warning that reversing the policy could create division and disrupt long-standing social harmony.
“This policy is not only a gross misreading of history but a dangerous affront to the principles of equity, justice, and religious balance in a plural society,” the statement said.
It further warned that the decision could be seen as discriminatory, accusing the government of prioritising one religious group over others in a way that is unfair and unjust.
The League also stated that the Muslim community in the state, which it described as a major stakeholder, would not remain silent if its rights and contributions are disregarded.
It demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the proposal, warning that failure to do so would be viewed as a breach of inclusive governance and fairness.
