The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land has disclosed 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 made these declarations in a press statement made available to journalists on Monday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
They declared that the league 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 statement is on the heels of a new League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states recently launched in Iwo, Osun State.
During the launch, a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Grand Mufti, Lookman Adeboje, obtained in Osogbo on Thursday, claimed 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, who claimed to be 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.”
However, the league of Imams, in a statement made available to Tribune Online, and 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; Chief Imam of Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede; Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division and Chairman Rabita, Lagos Sheikh Seifudeen Oloworibi Ademoritan; Mudiru-l-Markaz and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory; Grand Mufti of Yoruba Land, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola; and Secretary General, Leaque of Imam and Alfas in Yoruba Land, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat, said that it will not be in support of an organisation or individual promoting division contrary to Qur’an and Sunnah, warning that such an organisation or individual cannot speak on its behalf.
According to the league, some certain individuals and groups have been parading themselves as an extension, organ, affiliate, or representative body of the league.
The league, while noting that such individuals, associations, or groups are not recognized, authorized, affiliated, or connected with the league, maintained that it does not share responsibility for their activities, statements, teachings, publications, pronouncements, or actions.
The statement further debunked any claim by such persons or organizations suggesting that they are its representatives, extensions, branches, organs, or successors, describing such as false and misleading claim that should be disregarded by the public.
The statement reads “The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, the foremost and apex umbrella body of Muslim scholars, Chief Imams, Alfas, Islamic leaders and stakeholders across the South-West of Nigeria, hereby issues this official disclaimer to clarify its position regarding certain groups and individuals who have recently been parading themselves as an extension, affiliate, organ, or representative body of the League established in 1964.
“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 recognized, authorized, affiliated, or connected with the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land established in 1964.
“The League does not share responsibility for their activities, statements, teachings, publications, pronouncements, or actions. Any claim by such persons or organizations suggesting that they are representatives, extensions, branches, organs, or successors of the League is false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the public.
“The League dissociates itself completely from teachings, ideologies, utterances, and activities that contradict the authentic teachings of Islam, the Qur’an, the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and the established principles of moderation and centrism upon which the League was founded. The League remains committed to the middle-path approach of Islam as commanded by Allah in the Holy Qur’an:
“Thus We have made you a justly balanced nation (Ummatan Wasatan).” “Qur’an 2:143)
“The League equally upholds the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who warned against extremism and excessiveness in religious affairs, saying: Beware of extremism in religion, for those before you were destroyed because of extremism in religion.” (Reported by Ahmad, An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah). Any organization or individual whose teachings promote division, hatred, extremism, intolerance, discord, or any ideology contrary to the Qur’an and Sunnah cannot be regarded as speaking on behalf of the League established in 1964.
