Yoruba Imams disown groups promoting division

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has publicly distanced itself from any organization or individual whose teachings promote division, hatred, extremism, intolerance, or discord. The prominent Islamic body emphasized that such entities do not represent its authentic teachings, which are rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, nor do they speak on behalf of the League established in 1964.

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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.

In a joint statement released from Ibadan, Oyo State, leading Islamic scholars and clerics across the South-West clarified their position. They categorically declared that any individuals or groups claiming to be an extension, organ, or affiliate of the League are not recognized or authorized. The League unequivocally dissociates itself from any ideologies or activities that contradict the authentic teachings of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad's Sunnah, and the principles of moderation and centrism upon which the League was founded.

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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 statement referenced recent security concerns in the South-West, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, underscoring the importance of clear messaging against divisive elements. The League stressed that any organization or individual promoting division contrary to Islamic tenets cannot be considered a representative voice.

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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.

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to Islamic unity, peaceful coexistence, scholarship, moral guidance, and the advancement of the Muslim Ummah in Yorubaland and Nigeria. Since its establishment in 1964, the League has promoted Islam through moderation and remains the apex body for Muslim scholars, Chief Imams, Alfas, and other Islamic leaders in the region. They urged the public to verify information through recognized channels.

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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.