Why Muslim clerics must join politics, Oluwo

Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, has called upon Muslim clerics to actively participate in partisan politics, asserting that political relevance is crucial for advancing the interests of the Muslim community and shaping public policy. The monarch made this appeal during the inauguration of the League of Imams and Alfas of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states.

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There may be challenges at the formation stage. I have strong hope that this registered league will strive and become greater. This is the only League of Imams and Alfas known by law, legally binding and recognised by the government. It is here to stay, fully certified and recognised by the Corporate Affairs Commission.

He lauded the formation of the new league, describing it as a significant milestone for Islamic leadership in the South-West and adjacent regions. The inauguration, held in Ibadan, Oyo State, brought together over 1,000 Islamic clerics from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Edo, and Delta states. The league aims to strengthen the propagation of Islam and promote a more inclusive leadership structure.

Oba Akanbi emphasized that the league's registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission signifies institutional advancement, not division, within the existing Islamic leadership. He commended the efforts to establish a legally recognized body, stating, "This is the only League of Imams and Alfas known by law, legally binding and recognised by the government. It is here to stay, fully certified and recognised by the Corporate Affairs Commission."

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Aside from consistency, I appeal for your active participation in politics. If you are politically powerful, politicians will call you. You won’t run after them as we experience presently.

"Aside from consistency, I appeal for your active participation in politics. If you are politically powerful, politicians will call you. You won’t run after them as we experience presently," the Oluwo stated. He urged clerics to seek power through election or appointment, advising them to join political parties to ensure Muslim interests are represented and that power is not passively received.

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We need you to be in power. You can be elected or appointed. Join a political party today and be active. As Muslims, you need power. The power will not come to you on a platter of gold.