Afenifere warns groups against stoking religious conflict in South-West

The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere has warned all groups and individuals against making statements that could trigger religious cris and endanger the peaceful co-existence in Ekiti state and other South West states.

Afenifere’s reaction came against the backdoor of a recent statement from the Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concerns (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola where he alleged of a clampdown on Muslim faithful in Ekiti state over location of mosque.

The Yoruba socio-cultural group in a statement on Tuesday by the Chairman, Ekiti Chapter, Prince Gabriel Alonge appealed to security agencies and stakeholders to step in and stop the MURIC leader from making statements that could lead to religious conflict in the region.

The statement reads, “We read the press statement of Prof. Ishaq Akintola with grave concerns. We have also dug deeper into the veracity of his claims that Senator Bamidele declared war on Muslims for demolishing a mosque in Aramoko Ekiti, the headquarters of Ekiti West Local Government Area, Ekiti State.

“Our findings revealed that Senator Bamidele facilitated the reconstruction of Alara Modern Market in Aramoko Ekiti. We also found out that the market, comprising 60 open shops and 40 lock-up shops, was inaugurated on the 28th March 2025 and handed over to Alara-in-Council and Ekiti West Local Government, the two original owners of the property.

“We found out that Chief Imam of Aramoko Ekiti, Alfa Raheem Bamigbola offered the opening prayer at the inauguration of the market last year. Where did Prof. Akintola gets his information? For us, at Afenifere, this is a deliberate attempt to destabilise Ekiti State shortly after we got over ripples that their plan to establish the Shariah Arbitration Panel in some south-west states had triggered.

“It is quite disappointing that Prof. Akintola can make such a statement that can cause disaffection, even conflict, among brothers and sisters not only in Aramoko and Ekiti State, but also in the region. South-west is the only part of the federation that has enjoyed some level of peace and stability. We are completely averse to any move or statement that can undermine our peace and stability in part of the region.

“In Yorubaland, we are known for tolerance and not any form of prejudice despite religious diversity. We are known for our spirit of accommodation and not suppressing alternative voices. We are known for constructive engagement and not toxic attacks on politically exposed persons.”

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