Nigerians React To Historic Emergence Of Igbo Imam At National Mosque

In an unprecedented and historic decision, the Management of Abuja National Mosque has named Professor Ilyas Usman as its first-ever Igbo Imam, marking a significant milestone not only for the mosque but also for the broader Nigerian Muslim community.

Professor Usman delivered his inaugural sermon (khutbah) this Friday during the Juma’at congregational prayer, a momentous event expected to draw Muslims from across Nigeria. His appointment has been widely praised, particularly by the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), which has hailed the move as both a personal achievement for Prof. Usman and a step toward greater inclusion in the Muslim Ummah.

In a congratulatory statement, SEMON described the appointment as “a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence,” adding that it is “a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.”

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The organisation also commended the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for fostering inclusivity within the Nigerian Muslim community.

SEMON expressed hope that this appointment would uplift the Igbo Muslim community and further promote unity across the Nigerian Muslim Ummah. “We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety,” the group added.

Prof. Usman is set to take on significant responsibilities at the national mosque, joining a team of esteemed religious leaders, including Prof. Ibrahim Makari and Prof. Muhammad Kabir, in delivering Juma’ah and leading daily congregational prayers. He will also fill in for Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura, who is currently on extended sick leave.

While many have embraced Prof. Usman’s appointment as a unifying move, reactions on social media have been mixed. An X user @Gemini2444 questioned the appointment, writing, “Igbo Imam, Ilyas Usman? I thought one’s identity preceded his religion.” Another user, @rebellionek, expressed skepticism, stating, “No Igbo man born anywhere on earth bears such a name without any traces of his identity. This one na scam.”

However, there were also positive responses, with @AyuubHarun congratulating the new Imam and thanking the community for the “wonderful opportunity” granted to the Igbo Muslim community.