A new League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states has been launched in Iwo, with a promise to work with Muslims in the North for the propagation of Islam.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Grand Mufti, Lookman Adeboje, obtained in Osogbo on Thursday, stated that Imams and Alfas from Ogbomoso, as well as Imams from Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun states, among others, were in attendance at the inauguration.

The convener of the new group, the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Dawood Imran, said the motive behind its formation was to chart a united and strategic path for the advancement of Islam in the South-West and other regions.

Imran added that the group, which includes prominent Imams and Islamic scholars, is “designed to strengthen the Muslim Ummah economically, politically, and educationally, while safeguarding the dignity, security, and collective interests of Yoruba Muslims.”

He further stated, “The league will also collaborate with Muslim leaders and organisations in Northern Nigeria to foster unity and shared progress across the Ummah.”

He explained that “the newly inaugurated League of Imams and Alfas is an open and inclusive platform, welcoming all Imams across Yorubaland and any interested Islamic scholars who wish to be part of its vision and activities.”

Speaking further, the Grand Mufti clarified that the league was not formed “to oppose or target any individual or group,” but emerged “as a timely response to the growing challenges facing Muslims in the South-West.”

He emphasised that unity, coordination, and purposeful engagement are essential for the protection and progress of the Muslim Ummah in the region.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Imam of Ido, Sheikh Waliyullahi Sanusi, urged members to ensure that leadership within the league remains inclusive and non-hereditary in order to sustain credibility and unity.

Contacted for reaction to the formation of the parallel group, the Deputy Ameer of the Southwest Council of Islamic Preachers, Sheikh Abdulahi Olohunlomerue, rejected the idea and warned against actions that could embarrass religious leaders in the region.

“Those in the programme are Alfas and not Imams. When we talk of the League of Imams, it consists of the Chief Imams of Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States. My advice is that those behind the new group should let us cooperate with our fathers.

“We need to cooperate with them. Whenever we have any issue, let us call them into dialogue. We don’t need to be fighting with them and embarrassing them. That inauguration is an embarrassment,” Olohunlomerue said.

Before the inauguration of the new group, the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, founded in 1964, oversaw issues relating to Islam in the South-West, Edo, and Delta States.

The League comprises the Chief Imams of the capital cities of the six South-West States and is usually chaired by the most senior of the six Imams.

The formation of the new League of Imams and Alfas comes shortly after the six Chief Imams, in a meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, February 5, declared that Ramadan would commence on February 18.

The Ibadan meeting was attended by the President-General of the league, Sheikh Jamiu Bello; the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere; the Chief Imam of Ogun State, Sheikh Saadulah Bamigbola; the Chief Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun; and the Grand Chief Imam of Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede.

Also present were the Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Lagos State, Sheikh Seifudeen Ademoritan Olowooribi; the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the league, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory; the Secretary-General, Sheikh Mustapha Adewale Hossein Doak; Professor Kamil Oloso; Dr Abdul-Barri Adetunji; and other prominent Islamic leaders and scholars from the six states in South-Western Nigeria. (PUNCH)

• PHOTO: Stakeholders during the inauguration of new League of Imams for South West, Edo and Delta States in Iwo, Osun State. Photo credit: Press Secretary to the Grand Mufti.

Update news