Muslim leaders in Oyo State successfully concluded a three-day conference focused on fostering unity within the state.
Held from July 12th to 14th, 2024, at the University of Ibadan, the Oyo State Muslim Ummah Unity Conference brought together prominent Islamic figures and community leaders to address the causes and impacts of disunity among Muslims in the state.
The conference was attended by notable personalities, including the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo, and Delta States, Alhaji Daud Akinola Makanjuola, represented by the Secretary of Aare Musulumi in Council, Architect Azeez Salam; Alhaji Kunle Sanni, Chairman of Oyo State Muslim Community; Dr. Abdulbari Adetunji, representing the Chief Imam of Ibadanland; the Grand Mufti of Ibadanland, Alhaji Rasheed Azeez; and other distinguished religious leaders and scholars.
Presentations by Professor Ayo Hammed, Dr. Bashir Abiodun Olanrewaju, Permanent Secretary (rtd); Sheikh Tajudeen, Chief Imam of Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja; and Dr. Musa Alongbija, thoroughly examined various topics related to disunity and its repercussions among the Muslim community in Oyo State.
The conference also facilitated the resolution of misunderstandings among different Islamic groups and personalities, fostering an atmosphere of reconciliation and cooperation.
Participants advocated for such conferences to be held at least twice a year to maintain and strengthen unity.
To ensure the continuity of these efforts, a Unity Task Team was established, consisting of Sheikh Tajudeen Abdul-Kareem Al-Adaby (Baba Lagbeni) – Chairman, Sheikh Dr Abdul-Bari Adetunji – Co-Chairman, Sheikh Isa Akindele Salahudeen – Secretary, Dr Daud Ayodele Amoo Alaga – Publicity Secretary and Professor Abdulganiy Raji – Member, and one member each representing the following four zones namely, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa.
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In the communique issued at the end of the conference and made available to journalists on Tuesday, the leaders advised Muslims in the state to avoid any acts of civil disobedience.
The communique emphasized the importance of unity and proactive measures to prevent disunity within the Ummah.
The conference tagged Oyo State Muslim Ummah Unity Conference was attended by the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Daud Akinola Makanjuola who was represented by the Secretary of Aare Musulumi in Council, Architect Azeez Salam, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, the Chairman of Oyo State Muslim Community, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland who was represented by Dr. Abdulbari Adetunji, the Grand Mufti of Ibadanland, Alhaji Rasheed Azeez, SA on Islamic Affairs to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland and chief imams of other towns such as Saki, Igboho, Igboora, etc.
The Executive Secretary of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, Sheikh MT Sulaiman, Secretary of Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria, Barr AbdurRaheem Adebayo Shittu, Former Minister of Communications, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Rasheed Aderinoye, Professor Nurein Tanimowo, Professor Afis Oladosu, Dr. Lukman Fasasi, Chairman of Political Awareness Group (PAG) and Alh. Luqman Onaolapo, Coordinator of Concerned Muslim Organisations if Oyo State were also in attendance.
Others are Professor KK Oloso, Sheikh Tajudeen Al-Adabi, Alhaji Isa Akindele, Professor Taofik Abdulazeez, Chief Imam University of Abuja, Dr Taofiq Yekeen, Former National President of MSSN, Sheikh Hashim Atere, Chairman of Oyo State Hajj Board, Alh Abdulrahman Balogun and former INEC Commissioner in Osun, Ogun and Ekiti States, Professor Abdulganiyu Raji, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, Dr Bashir Ayodeji Olanrewaju, Chief Imam of Ansar-udeen in Oyo State, NACOMYO Coordinator, Oyo State and Chairman and Secretary of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Oyo State Chapter.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE