A major player in Nigeria’s real estate sector, Ambassador (Dr) Babatunde Muritala Adeyemo, has called on Nigerian politicians—particularly Muslims—to embrace a politics rooted in service, transparency, and accountability as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo said Islam permits believers to actively participate in politics and governance, but stressed that such involvement must be driven by service to the people rather than oppression or personal gain.
The real estate entrepreneur, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited and promoter of Pelican Valley Estate Laderin, Pelican Brief, Pelican Ecostay Apartments, and Pelican Greenish Acre Farm Estate—all located along the Laderin–Kobape corridor of Abeokuta, Ogun State—spoke on Wednesday.
He made the remarks while chairing this year’s annual Ramadan Tafsir lecture held at the State Headquarters, Eleweran, of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Ogun State Command.
In his address, Adeyemo urged politicians to shun evil and double standards and instead embrace transparency and accountability to move the nation forward.
He also appealed to world leaders to pursue global peace, noting that it was significant that the Muslim Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season are being observed simultaneously this year.
According to him, the coincidence underscores the need for intensified prayers and collective efforts toward resolving global crises, ending the killing of children, women, and the elderly in the Middle East, and restoring world peace.
Also speaking at the event, the guest lecturer and Islamic scholar, Abdul-Lateef Ishmaihil, who delivered a lecture titled “Muslims and Politics: The Islamic Perspective,” said Islam does not forbid adherents from participating in politics or seeking elective office.
However, he cautioned that they must do so without compromising their faith and moral principles.
Citing Qur’anic verses including 2:5, 16:50, and 4:31, Ishmaihil stressed that a true Muslim in politics must shun bribery, corruption, and oppression, while upholding righteousness and guiding society away from wrongdoing to ensure that the benefits of good governance reach the people.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunlowo, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Finance), DCP Sarah Idowa Ehindero, said the Islamic Chaplaincy within the command was established to cater to the spiritual well-being of officers and complement their training in crime fighting and prevention.
The annual Ramadan Tafsir lecture, which drew Muslim faithful from within and outside the police command, received financial support from the Pelican Valley CEO and other guests.
