Muslim leaders call for peace, unity and prayer

The Coalition of Organisations for the Defense of Islam in Yorubaland has called for peace, unity and prayer within Muslim communities throughout the southwest of the country following the Ogbomosho incident, among other things.

The coalition made this call in a communiqué issued at the end of a day-long meeting held at the palace of the Asiwaju Adinni of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiullah Oladejo, popularly known as Onimalu. The meeting was called to deliberate on the state of Islam in Yorubaland and find solutions to the Ogbomoso crisis, the attack on a Muslim family by a pastor and the spread of heretical ideas on social media, as well as generally promote peace throughout Yorubaland.

In the five-point communiqué read by Lawyer Abdul Waheed O. Lawal, the coalition highlighted several key measures to promote harmony among Muslims in Ogbomosho and the South West and called for Muslims across Yorubaland to observe Tatawah (voluntary fasting) on ​​Mondays and Thursdays throughout 2024.

The coalition stated that the holiday was to promote prayerful reflection with particular emphasis on peace and unity for the Muslims of Ogbomosho. It also called on the Chief Imam of Ogbomosho, Dr. Sheikh Taliat Olushina Yunus Ayilara, to continue preaching peace in his sermons and to avoid discussions on the ongoing crises in Ogbomosho land during his sermons from the mimbar (pulpit) in order to maintain a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

The communiqué also called for the establishment of an interface between the Muslim leadership and eminent Muslim personalities, including the three Muslim Senators representing Oyo State, to discuss the peace and progress of the Muslim Ummah.

In addition, the coalition addressed the ongoing court case in Iseyin, insisting that the case must be pursued to its logical conclusion to ensure justice is done.

The coalition therefore called on all Muslims to continue to exercise patience, live in peace with others and promote harmony within their communities, stressing the commitment of Muslim leaders in Yorubaland to achieve these goals and objectives in these difficult times.

The statement states:

“Muslims across Yorubaland should be directed to pray Tatawah on Mondays and Thursdays of 2024 and pray for Muslim peace and unity in Ogbomosho land.

“The Chief Imam of Ogbomosho, Dr. Sheikh Taliat Olushina Yunus Ayilara, is hereby directed to continue preaching peace and discussing other issues at the Mimbar without reference to the ongoing crises in Ogbomosho.

“In order to protect the peace and progress of the Muslim Ummah, an interface should be established between this body and Muslim personalities and the three Muslim Senators in Oyo State.

“The Iseyin case must be pursued to its logical conclusion and justice must be done.

“The body calls on all our Muslims to continue to exercise patience and live in peace with everyone.”

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