Grand Imam condemns disunity among top Islamic clerics in Nigeria

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July 8, 2015 1:51 PM

Alhaji Kewulere urged Muslims to overlook the shortcomings of one another in the spirit of Ramadan and forge a common front

President of Imams and Alfas in South West, Edo and Delta states, Jamiu Kewulere has condemned the cold relationship existing between notable Muslim clerics in these states.

The Grand Imam of Ekiti state made this known at the commissioning of the ultra modern central mosque built by Akinbami Islamic Foundation in Ado-Ekiti. He lament that this disunity had deprived the Muslim Community of its rights in the past.

The 500 - capacity mosque is located at Federal Polytechnic road and is expected to host Friday Jumaat prayer and Centre for Quranic Education. It is the third in the series built by the Foundation.

According to Daily Independent, the occasion attracted notable Muslims leaders in Ekiti. Among them were, President Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Yakubu Sani, his predcessor, Alhaji Afolabi Ogunlayi and Imams of major towns and villages in the state.

Alhaji Kewulere urged Muslims to overlook the shortcomings of one another in the spirit of Ramadan and forge a common front.

He warned those fueling the ember of discord among clerics to desist immediately or be preparing to face the wrath of God.

According to him, tale-bearers and fifth columnists have no place in Islam except that the rewards of their good deeds shall be consumed in the day of reckoning.

The Grand Imam regretted the unhealthy rivalry between him and another senior cleric in the state and Missioner of Ansar-ul-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter, Alhaji Hadi Adebayo, re-assuring that such sad episode would not be re-enacted.

He said, “Although, it is very sad to recall, but I must acknowledged that we, the Muslim leaders have let the Muslim Community down on many occasions and this is due to the needless supremacy duel and unhealthy rivalry among us. Through this needless war, our rights have been deprived and Muslims have been shortchanged in the state.”

"I thank God today that we have overcome those era and we have opened a new chapter. Never shall we be divided by mundane issues. Our duties and responsibilities is to lead and guide the ummah and this, we shall do,” he continued.

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