A new League of Imams and Alfas covering the South-West, Edo and Delta states has been inaugurated in Iwo, Osun State, with its promoters pledging to foster unity among Muslims and strengthen collaboration with Islamic leaders in Northern Nigeria.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Lookman Adeboje.
The event attracted Islamic clerics from Ogbomoso, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and other parts of the region.
Convener of the group and Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Dawood Imran, said the body was formed to provide a coordinated direction for the growth and advancement of Islam in the region.
According to him, “The league is established to chart a united and strategic course for the development of Islam in the South-West and beyond.”
Imran explained that the platform would focus on strengthening Muslims economically, politically and educationally, while protecting their collective interests.
“This initiative is designed to uplift the Muslim Ummah, safeguard its dignity and security, and promote shared prosperity,” he said.
“We will also collaborate with Muslim leaders and organisations in Northern Nigeria to promote unity and collective progress.”
He stressed that the league was open to all Imams and interested Islamic scholars across Yorubaland, describing it as an inclusive body.
“This is not a platform created to oppose or undermine anyone. It is a timely response to emerging challenges confronting Muslims in the South-West,” Imran added, emphasising the need for unity and purposeful engagement.
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Ido, Sheikh Waliyullahi Sanusi, advised members to ensure transparent and inclusive leadership within the new body.
“Leadership in this league must remain open and non-hereditary to preserve credibility and unity,” he said.
However, the formation of the group has drawn criticism from some Islamic leaders. The Deputy Ameer of the South-West Council of Islamic Preachers, Sheikh Abdulahi Olohunlomerue, faulted the move and warned against actions that could cause division.
“When we speak of the League of Imams, it refers to the Chief Imams of the six South-West states. Those at the inauguration are Alfas, not Chief Imams,” he said.
“We should cooperate with our fathers and resolve issues through dialogue. That inauguration is an embarrassment.”
The existing League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, established in 1964, comprises the Chief Imams of the state capitals in the South-West and traditionally oversees Islamic affairs in the region, including Edo and Delta states.
The emergence of the new body comes shortly after the six Chief Imams met in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they announced February 18 as the commencement date for Ramadan.
