The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a faith-based rights advocacy group, has called on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to explain why all recently appointed permanent secretaries are Christians. The group accused the governor of religious bias, administrative exclusivity, and disregard for constitutional requirements.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 25 September 2025, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said:
“The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appointed a new set of nine permanent secretaries (also known as tutor generals) on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. The appointments were announced in a circular released by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro.
“This list has sparked widespread discontent among Muslims in Lagos and beyond for lacking religious balance. There are even allegations that the few Muslim-sounding names belong to individuals who have left the Islamic faith.
“This is where the governor needs to meet with leaders of the Muslim community in Lagos State for clarification. Government is expected to carry everyone along. If Governor Sanwo-Olu fails to do so, Lagos Muslims may have to seek alternative political alliances.
“The new appointments reflect religious intolerance, administrative exclusivity, and disregard for constitutional provisions. Sanwo-Olu continues to breach the Constitution, particularly in his political appointments. Recall that he appointed only 14 Muslims as commissioners while Christians numbered 43.
“Section 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that the composition of government at all levels must recognize the diversity of the people and promote a sense of belonging among all citizens.
“Has Sanwo-Olu’s latest move complied with this provision? Does appointing six Christian tutor generals across all six education districts ‘recognize the diversity of the people’ of Lagos State? Are Muslims not major stakeholders or merely statistics in Lagos society?
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has once again failed the inclusivity test this time on a grand scale. He owes the public an explanation for his latest ‘all-Christian’ permanent secretaries.
“The actions of leaders must be open to scrutiny. That is the essence of democracy and accountability. This does not represent good governance. If Sanwo-Olu insists on impunity, Lagos Muslims must reconsider their political alliances.”
