Yoruba Imams disown groups preaching extremism, division

League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, on Monday, distanced itself from any organisation or individual whose teachings promote division, hatred, extremism, intolerance, discord, or any ideology contrary to the Qur’an and Sunnah in Nigeria.

They insisted not to support any organisation or individual promoting division contrary to the Qur’an and Sunnah, saying, “Such organisations or individuals cannot speak on their behalf.”

This was contained in a statement jointly signed and released in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

It was jointly signed by the President of the League and Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Jamiu Kewulere; Vice President and Chief Imam of Ogun State, Saadullah Bamgbola; Life Grand Patron and Chief Imam of Oyo State, AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere; Chief Imam of Osun State, Musa Animasahun; Chief Imam of Ondo State, AbdulHakeem Akorede; and Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division and Chairman, Rabita, Lagos, Seifudeen Ademoritan.

Others were Mudiru-l-Markaz and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Muhammad Abdullahi El-Ilory; Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, AbdulRasaq Ishola; and Secretary-General, League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Mustapha Hamzat.

The PidomNigeria reports that scores of teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Friday, May 15, 2026, around 9:30 a.m.

However, the statement by the religious leaders, on Monday, said, “The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, the foremost and apex umbrella body of Muslim scholars, Chief Imams, Alfas, Islamic leaders and stakeholders across the South-West of Nigeria, hereby issues this official disclaimer to clarify its position regarding certain groups and individuals who have recently been parading themselves as an extension, affiliate, organ, or representative body of the League established in 1964.

“It has come to the attention of the leadership of the league that certain individuals and groups have recently been parading themselves as an extension, organ, affiliate, or representative body of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba land, established in 1964.

“The league hereby categorically, unequivocally, and publicly declares that such individuals, associations, or groups are not recognised, authorised, affiliated, or connected with the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land established in 1964.

“The league dissociates itself completely from teachings, ideologies, utterances, and activities that contradict the authentic teachings of Islam, the Qur’an, the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and the established principles of moderation and centrism upon which the League was founded.

“Any organisation or individual whose teachings promote division, hatred, extremism, intolerance, discord, or any ideology contrary to the Qur’an and Sunnah cannot be regarded as speaking on behalf of the League established in 1964.

“The league in Yorubaland remains steadfast in its commitment to Islamic unity, peaceful coexistence, scholarship, moral guidance, and the advancement of the Muslim Ummah in Yoruba Land and Nigeria as a whole.

“It has been promoting Islam in Yorubaland through moderation since its establishment in 1964 and serves as the apex body of Muslim scholars, Chief Imams, Alfas, Islamic leaders, and stakeholders across the South-West of Nigeria,” the statement stressed.

It, therefore, urged all Muslims and members of the public to verify information and organisational claims through the officially recognised leadership structures of the league and to disregard any unauthorised representation by individuals or groups acting outside the constitution, traditions, and objectives of the league established in 1964.