The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has distanced itself from the launch and establishment of another league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland.
The league described the move by some individuals and groups to establish another league as a means of misleading members of the public.
The league made these declarations in a press statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
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, 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.
The league in the statement noted that its attention has been drawn to the activities of certain individuals and groups who are organising fundraising programmes and the launch of another league of Imams and Alfas.
The statement said that the league was established in 1964 by its initiator Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory and founding fathers across the then old Western Region of Nigeria.
They maintained that the League of Imams and Alfas has nothing whatsoever to do with such fundraising exercises, launches, or activities being carried out by those individuals or groups.
The statement added that the league remains committed to its historic mission of fostering harmony, cooperation, and Islamic brotherhood among Muslims in Yoruba Land and Nigeria as a whole.
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The statement said “The attention of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, the apex and formost Islamic body in the South-West of Nigeria, has been drawn to the activities of certain individuals and groups who are organizing fundraising programmes, launches, and other activities while falsely portraying themselves as being affiliated with, representing, or acting on behalf of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land.
“We hereby state categorically and unequivocally that the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, established in 1964 by its initiator Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory and founding fathers across the then Old Western Region of Nigeria, has nothing whatsoever to do with such fundraising exercises, launches, or activities being carried out by those individuals or groups.
“The authentic League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land remains the recognized umbrella body and apex and foremost authority of Imams, Alfas, and the Muslim Ummah across the 137 Local Government Areas (LGA) and 113 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs)of the six South-Western States of Nigeria. Since its establishment in 1964, the League has continued to discharge its responsibilities in promoting Islamic values, unity, peace, moderation, and the welfare of Muslims throughout Yoruba Land.
“We therefore call on the entire Muslim Ummah, community leaders, philanthropists, corporate organizations, government agencies, and the general public to exercise caution and be vigilant. Any individual or group claiming to be an extension, affiliate, representative, or authorized organ of the League without the express approval of the League’s constituted leadership should not be accorded recognition or support.
“The League strongly condemns any attempt to deceive members of the Muslim community by exploiting the good name, reputation, and long-standing legacy of our revered organisation for personal or group interests. Such actions are misleading, unacceptable, and capable of creating confusion and disunity within the Ummah.
“The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land remains committed to its historic mission of fostering harmony, cooperation, and Islamic brotherhood among Muslims in Yoruba Land and Nigeria as a whole. We pray Almighty Allah (SWT) to continue to strengthen the bonds of unity among Muslims, preserve peace and stability in the South-West and Nigeria at large, and guide us all to that which is beneficial for Islam and humanity”.
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