Ogbomoso South Crisis: “Because She Is a Woman and Muslim?” Fresh Details Emerge as Vice Chairman Is Singled Out Among Three

Fresh details have emerged surrounding the political crisis in Ogbomoso South Local Government, with the Vice Chairman, Alhaja Mujidat Kareem, reportedly facing questions over her gender and religious identity in the unfolding controversy surrounding her purported suspension.

Findings by newsmen, including an account from an eyewitness who requested anonymity, indicate that Kareem was invited by some members of the Legislative Arm to the residence of the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, outside the local government secretariat.

At the residence, she was reportedly asked to swear an oath, a request she declined on religious grounds, describing the exercise as diabolical and incompatible with her Islamic faith.

More significantly, the development has raised questions about alleged remarks concerning her eligibility to succeed the Executive Chairman should he eventually be suspended. Kareem was reportedly told that she could not succeed him because she is a woman and a Muslim.

The eyewitness account also points to a hostile atmosphere at the residence, where the Vice Chairman was reportedly booed and nearly physically assaulted by suspected political touts.

The controversy has further drawn attention to the fact that, among the three vice chairpersons reportedly affected by the unfolding political developments, Kareem is the only one whose position has been singled out for removal, raising questions about whether her gender and religious identity played a role in the treatment she allegedly received.

Kareem has rejected her purported suspension, maintaining that her religious convictions and gender should not be used to deny her rights or exclude her from any lawful succession arrangement.

The unfolding situation has brought issues of religious freedom, gender equality, political inclusion and adherence to due process into the centre of the Ogbomoso South leadership crisis.