By Jubril Bada

…says no true Muslim’ll do such

…urges faithful to reflect on Ramadan, pray for nation

As Muslims in Ondo State yesterday joined their counterparts across the globe to celebrate this year’s Eidel-Fitri, the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, has declared that muslim leaders engaging in ritual killing are infidels.

Delivering his sermon during the Eid-el-Fitri celebration marking the end of 2025 Ramadan at the prayer ground along Oda road in Akure,  Yayi-Akorede  also warned young Islamic clerics engaging in money rituals to stop such practices before incurring the wrath of Almighty Allah.

He emphasised that true blessings and prosperity come through righteousness and faith, not human sacrifices.

Muslim faithful across the state gathered at their various Eid grounds as early as 10:am for the prayers led by their chief Imams, with messages of hope.

The cleric condemned the alarming trend of young Alfas using human body parts for money rituals, describing it as a grave act of disbelief in Allah’s provisions.

He urged Muslims to cease patronising such dubious clerics, warning that relying on them for spiritual cleansing could lead to losses both in this world and in the hereafter.

Yayi-Akorede reminded the faithful of the importance of fearing Allah and being conscious of their deeds, as everyone will ultimately account for their actions before their Creator.

He also urged Muslims to uphold the lessons of Ramadan, cautioning them against returning to sinful acts that were avoided during the holy month.

Addressing parents, the Chief Imam advised them to be vigilant over their children, ensuring they receive proper Islamic education and keeping them away from clerics involved in unlawful practices.

 He stressed that moral and religious upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping a righteous society.

Commending security agencies for their efforts in combating insecurity, he called on them to intensify their work in safeguarding lives and property, particularly against kidnappers and other criminal elements seeking to destabilise the state.

The cleric also praised Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his developmental strides, particularly the regular payment of workers’ salaries and proposed infrastructure projects such as the construction of a flyover and the dualisation of roads in Akure.

He appealed to the governor to ensure fair representation of Muslims in employment opportunities, while also cautioning against a certain individual, whom he did not name allegedly working against the interests of Muslims by removing their names from job lists.

He declared that Muslim leaders would not remain silent while efforts were being made to marginalise their community, vowing to stand firm in protecting the rights and future of Muslims in the state.

His message served as both a warning and a call to righteousness, urging Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith and uphold justice, morality, and piety in all aspects of their lives.

The Chief Imam of the Gbadamosi Central mosque, Adebowale, Ondo Road Akure, Alhaji Mohammed Jamiu-Imoyomi, advised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to beef up security especially across the state’s forest.

Alhaji Jamiu-Imoyomi expressed concern over kidnapping and daily killing of farmers and residents by herder in the state’s forests.

The Islamic scholar who therefore urged governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure timely and proactive response to the challenge also encouraged the citizens to support security agents with useful information.

On Sallah celebration, Alhaji Jamiu-Imoyomi charged Muslim faithful to renew their relationship with Allah.

Some of the faithful including Alhaji Soliu Owamoyo, Alhaji Saka Gbadamosi and the Olu of Itaoniyan, Oba Isaq Olumuyiwa appreciated Allah for the opportunity to witness the day.

The Imam of Oda town, Alfa Musa Bolarinwa, urged Muslims to maintain the fear of Allah even after fasting, just as they did during Ramadan.

“You must keep the fear of Allah by being mindful of your utterances and deeds. By doing this, Allah will continue to forgive all your sins,” he said.

While mentioning those who will not benefit from the Eid prayer, he noted that it includes those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities to their parents, those who sin against God through their treatment of their parents or their actions, those who harbor hatred against others because of God’s blessings in their lives, and those whose hearts are filled with evil.