Clerics Denounce Hatred, Extremism, Division Among Muslims

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it is not in support of any organisation or individual whose teachings promote division, hatred, extremism, intolerance, discord or any ideology contrary to the Qur’an and Sunnah in Nigeria.

The league declared that it has been promoting Islam in Yorubaland through moderation since its establishment in 1964 and serves as the apex body of Muslim scholars, Chief Imams, Alfas, Islamic leaders and stakeholders across the South-West of Nigeria.

The league, in a press statement in Ibadan, insisted that it would not be in support of organisation or individual promoting division contrary to Qur’an and Sunnah, warning that such organisation or individual cannot speak on its behalf.

The league noted that its attention had⁷ been drawn to activities of some certain individuals and groups who have been parading themselves as an extension, organ, affiliate, or representative body of the league.

The statement was signed by the president of the league and Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, vice president and Chief Imam of Ogun State, Sheikh Saadullah Bamgbola, life grand patron and Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere, Chief Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun, and Chief Imam of Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede.

Others were Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division and Chairman Rabita, Lagos, Sheikh Seifudeen Oloworibi Ademoritan, Mudiru-l-Markaz and the chairman, Board of Trustees, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola and the secretary general, League of Imam and Alfas in Yoruba Land, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat

The league, while noting that such individuals, associations, or groups were not recognised, authorised, affiliated or connected with the league, maintained that it does not share responsibility for their activities, statements, teachings, publications, pronouncements or actions.

It added that any claim by such persons or organizations suggesting that they were representatives, extensions, branches, organs, or successors of the league was false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the public.

“The executive council, elders, state chairmen, chief Imams, Alfas, and the entire members of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, established in 1964 through the noble efforts and vision of the renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory, alongside other distinguished Muslim scholars and leaders across the then old Western Region of Nigeria, hereby issue this official disclaimer and public notice.

“Since its establishment in 1964, the League has remained a foremost Islamic umbrella body dedicated to the propagation of Islam based on the principles of moderation (Wasatiyyah), unity, peaceful coexistence, sound Islamic scholarship, and adherence to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“The League has consistently promoted Islamic values that encourage peace, mutual respect, religious tolerance, national unity, and constructive engagement with governments and communities at all levels.

“It has come to the attention of the leadership of the League that certain individuals and groups have recently been parading themselves as an extension, organ, affiliate, or representative body of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land established in 1964.

“The League hereby categorically, unequivocally, and publicly declares that: Such individuals, associations, or groups are not recognised, authorised, affiliated, or connected with the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land established in 1964.’’