South-West needs conference on Islamic unity, progress —- Scholars
By Suleiman Shehu
A group of Islamic scholars, preachers and clerics in Yorubaland, Edo State and Delta have emphasised the need for a conference on Islamic unity and progress in the South-West region.
The group, known as the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo State and Delta, on Wednesday in Ibadan explained this need at a media briefing on the conference.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference slated for Ijebu-Ode in Ogun from Monday, Oct 7 to Wednesday,Oct. 9 is “Strengthening Islamic Unity and Progress in Yorubaland”.
Sheikh Taofeek Akewugbagold, Chairman of the conference’s Media Committee, said considering the extent to which religion is drifting Nigerians apart, especially in the South-West, there is the need to have a stakeholders meeting where the matter would be faced headlong and resolved urgently.
“Religion, as a way of life, should be practised in such a way that will bring development to the Yoruba race and Nigeria in general.
“There is the need to foster Islamic unity within various sects, since we believe we are worshiping one God, with a view to bringing progress to the entire Yoruba race,” he added.
The committee chairman said the conference would look into the immediate and remote causes of crises within and among various sects of Islamic organisations.
”This will be with a view to finding lasting solution to several differences,” he stated.
Akewugbagold said it was incumbent upon various Islamic bodies’ sects to foster and strengthen Islamic unity and not cause confusion and destabilise the polity.
”This is important since their reference point is the Quran and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammed,” he said.
He said various Islamic scholars and jurists who have the capabilities of doing justice to issues to be discussed at the conference would be in attendance.
“We plan to use the conference to bridge the gap between all Muslim kings in the South-West, as well as Islamic scholars and Imams in the region,” Akewugbagold said.
He listed dignitaries expected at the event to include President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Sen. Ibukunle Amosun, among others.
Akewugbagold said the organisation would use the occasion to honour the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, for his contributions towards the development of Islam and peace in the country.
He then urged President Tinubu to move the state from being a consuming country to a productive one in order for the country to witness development and be self-dependence
Also speaking, the Grand Imam of Ogbomosoland, Sheikh Yunus Ayilara, said it was no longer in doubt that the present situation of Nigeria’s economy was affecting everyone seriously.
Ayilara urged President Tinubu to review some of his economic policies and put measures in place to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
He, however, called on Nigerians to be patient with the President and continue to pray for the unity, progress and development of the country.
NAN reports that the media briefing was also attended by the Wakiel Muslimin of Yorubaland, Edo State and Delta, Sheikh Kolawole Lawal, and the Grand Chief Imam of Epe, Abiola AbdulRahman.(NAN)
