The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has expressed concern over the disunity among Imams in Ogun State, Nigeria. Speaking at the maiden edition of the Ogun State Muslim Assembly, Oloyede, who was represented by Professor Abdulafeez Oladosu, noted that internal divisions are weakening the collective strength and impact of the Muslim community.
The assembly, themed “Synergy, Leadership and Development in the Muslim Ummah of Ogun State,” was held in Abeokuta, the state capital, and drew over 500 clerics, scholars, traditional rulers, politicians, and community leaders. Oladosu questioned why Imams in the state are not united, despite sharing the same faith, and why society is increasingly gravitating towards actions forbidden by God.
The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, called for inclusive leadership and stronger community ownership, stressing that spiritual authority alone cannot deliver development without structured organization and collective participation. She emphasized the need for true synergy and leadership that builds institutions, rather than personal influence.
Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who served as Father of the Day, described the assembly as timely, saying divisions within Islam have weakened collective influence and distorted public perception of the Muslim community. He urged Muslims to prioritize their faith over affiliations and to anchor their actions in Qur’anic wisdom and shared understanding.
The gathering, organized by the League of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State, and supported by the Council of Muslim Titled Chiefs, aimed to promote unity and cooperation among Muslim leaders in the state. The assembly’s chairman urged Islamic clerics to embrace renewed cohesion, praying that the event would mark the beginning of greatness for the Muslim Ummah.
The Ogun State Muslim Assembly highlights the need for unity and collective action among Muslim leaders in Nigeria. As the country’s Muslim population continues to grow, the importance of synergy and cooperation among Islamic clerics and community leaders cannot be overstated. The assembly’s emphasis on inclusive leadership, structured organization, and collective participation is crucial for the development and progress of the Muslim community in Ogun State and beyond.
