An Islamic group under the auspices of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State has urged governors in the South West States, as well as security agencies to admonish adherents of traditional religions against incessant attack.
The Islamic clerics disclosed this during a meeting held at the Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, the Ogun Sate capital, adding this has become imperative to in order to prevent religious crises in the region.
The meeting, which was chaired by the President of the league, Sikirullahi Babalola also identified key issues affecting the well-being of Muslims in Nigeria.
In a communique released after the meeting, the Islamic leaders decried what they called “the incessant attacks on Muslims by traditionalists performing their rites.”
The religious leaders stated that Muslims in the South West “will not condone any form of infringement on their rights to perform their spiritual obligations.”
The group stressed that Muslims in the South West “will not apply force on any person by any means whatsoever on account of religious belief,” noting , however, that the rights of Muslims should also not be infringed upon by anybody or group.
The cleric observed that,, “the recurrent attacks on Muslims going for worship in the mosques during the day when traditionalists had placed a ‘stay at home’ order because of some rituals during the day is ever fresh in our memory.
“Furthermore, the recent threat by adherents of traditional religion against Muslims is condemnable and should not be taken lightly.”
They urged the governors and security agencies to intervene on the matter by calling traditionalists to order.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as well as police commissioners in the region are, therefore, “put on notice regarding this ugly development” to ensure peaceful coexistence in Yoruba land.
“Islam is a religion of peace and Muslims are bearers of peace; we are Yorubas and are not strangers in our land. We urge Muslims to continue to live in peace and unity with adherents of other religions,” the clerics submitted.
Meanwhile, the clerics have called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the fuel subsidy era and prosecute whoever is found guilty of corrupt practices.
