Nigerian Islamic Leaders Unite Against Religious Division

Nine of Nigeria's most respected Islamic scholars just drew a clear line in the sand against religious extremism and division.

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, established in 1964, released a powerful joint statement Monday distancing themselves from any groups promoting hatred, intolerance, or extremism. The declaration represents millions of Muslims across six Nigerian states.

Leading the charge are Chief Imams from Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Lagos states, along with the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland. Together, they signed a statement making it crystal clear: anyone teaching division doesn't speak for them.

"Any organisation or individual whose teachings promote division, hatred, extremism, intolerance, or discord cannot be regarded as speaking on behalf of the League," the statement read. The leaders emphasized their commitment to moderation, peaceful coexistence, and Islamic unity.

The timing matters deeply. The declaration follows security concerns in the South-West region, including a troubling incident on May 15 when pupils and teachers were abducted from schools in Oyo State. Religious leaders recognized the urgent need to counter narratives that fuel conflict.

The Ripple Effect

This unified stand sends ripples far beyond mosque walls. By publicly rejecting extremism, these nine leaders are protecting the 62-year legacy of moderation their organization built. They're showing younger Muslims that authentic Islamic teaching centers on peace, not division.

The League warned community members about imposters claiming to represent them. They urged Muslims and the public to verify information through recognized leadership channels and ignore unauthorized groups acting outside their constitution and traditions.

The statement reaffirms the League's founding principles from 1964: scholarship, moral guidance, and advancing the Muslim community through peaceful means. For six decades, this organization has championed moderation across Yorubaland, making it the apex body of Islamic leaders in Nigeria's South-West.

The nine signatories represent a united front rarely seen with such clarity. From Life Grand Patron AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere to Secretary-General Mustapha Hamzat, every major Islamic authority in the region spoke with one voice.

Their message is simple but powerful: real Islam teaches unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, and Nigeria's Islamic leaders won't let that message be hijacked.