By Adeola Badru

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has warned Nigerians against recognising or supporting any newly formed association claiming to represent the body, declaring that it has no connection whatsoever with ongoing fundraising campaigns, launches or activities being organised by certain individuals and groups across the South-West.

The League, regarded as the apex Islamic body representing Imams, Alfas and the Muslim Ummah in Yorubaland, described the emergence of a parallel association as a misleading development capable of creating confusion, undermining established Islamic leadership structures and threatening unity within the Muslim community.

The League’s position was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The statement was jointly 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 of Rabita, Lagos, Sheikh Seifudeen Oloworibi Ademoritan; Mudiru-l-Markaz and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory; Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola; and Secretary-General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat.

The League said its attention had been drawn to the activities of certain individuals and groups allegedly organising fundraising programmes, public launches and other activities while presenting themselves as representatives or affiliates of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland.

According to the statement, the League was established in 1964 by its initiator, Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory, alongside founding fathers from across the then Western Region of Nigeria, and remains the only recognised umbrella body for Imams and Alfas in the region.

Rejecting any association with the fundraising drives and launches, the League declared that those behind the activities were acting independently and without its approval.

“The attention of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, the apex and foremost Islamic body in the South-West of Nigeria, has been drawn to the activities of certain individuals and groups who are organising 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 Yorubaland.“

“We hereby state categorically and unequivocally that the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, 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 statement said.

The League reaffirmed that it remained the authentic and recognised authority representing Imams, Alfas and Muslims across the six South-Western states, covering 137 Local Government Areas and 113 Local Council Development Areas.

“The authentic League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland remains the recognised umbrella body and apex and foremost authority of Imams, Alfas and the Muslim Ummah across the 137 Local Government Areas and 113 Local Council Development Areas 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 Yorubaland.”

The League urged Muslims and the wider Nigerian public to exercise caution when dealing with groups claiming links to the organisation.

The body further broadened the issue beyond the South-West, stressing that any effort to exploit its name and legacy for personal or group interests could fuel division within the Muslim Ummah and undermine the spirit of national cohesion and religious harmony.

“We therefore call on the entire Muslim Ummah, community leaders, philanthropists, corporate organisations, government agencies and the general public to exercise caution and be vigilant.“

“Any individual or group claiming to be an extension, affiliate, representative or authorised organ of the League without the express approval of the League’s constituted leadership should not be accorded recognition or support,“ the League said.

It also condemned what it described as attempts to capitalise on its reputation and decades-long standing within the Muslim community.

“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.”

Reiterating its commitment to national stability, peaceful coexistence and religious harmony, the League said its focus remains the promotion of unity among Muslims and the preservation of peace not only in the South-West but across Nigeria.

“The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland remains committed to its historic mission of fostering harmony, cooperation and Islamic brotherhood among Muslims in Yorubaland 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,“ it concluded.

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