…harps on religious harmony, unity in Ekiti towns

…Muslim leaders sue for peace, say matter under control

By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

In a bid to calm frayed nerves over the tension stirred by the alleged demolition of a mosque at Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area, the Ekiti State Government has met with Islamic leaders, pledging to intervene and resolve the raging crisis in the interest of peace, unity, and justice.

The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the assurance on Thursday while interfacing with the Muslim community, led by the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), to pacify aggrieved Muslim faithful and chart a path towards resolving the impasse.

The mosque in question was said to have been demolished to pave way for the construction of an ultra-modern market, as part of the constituency project of the Senate Leader and Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele.

While interfacing with the Muslim leaders, Afuye, in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, stated that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration stands for religious harmony, adding that a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened to nip the crisis in the bud.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that information at her disposal indicated that another plot of land had already been allocated to the Muslim community by the Alara-in-Council, led by the Alara, Oba Olu Adeyemi, for the reconstruction of the mosque allegedly demolished.

She emphasised that the allocation of the land for rebuilding was a clear indication that the community holds Muslims in high esteem.

To further placate the Muslim faithful, Mrs Afuye explained that the modern market was conceived by Senator Bamidele to advance the development of Aramoko Ekiti, stressing that Muslims, as an integral part of the town, would benefit immensely.

The Deputy Governor assured that the state government would engage both Senator Bamidele and the Alara-in-Council on the issue and explore means to assuage the feelings of the Muslim community.

“Whatever your grievances may be, I urge you to remain calm. We will soon convene a meeting with all stakeholders. I am even glad that the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti is a Muslim leader. He cannot be part of any plot to short-change you.

“This government will never treat Muslims with disdain. You have always supported us, and the Senate Leader is a man of the people. He does not believe in religious crises. He has consistently demonstrated this through his interactions across religious lines.

“I assure you we will get to the root of this matter. If it is confirmed that the mosque was actually demolished and a new land has been provided for rebuilding, we will ensure that justice is served.”

Speaking during the parley, the NSCIA President, Ekiti Chapter, Dr Hameed Bakri, commended the Ekiti State Government for its swift response and mediation efforts, saying it reinforced the administration’s commitment to religious balance.

Alhaji Bakri affirmed that the entire Muslim community in Ekiti stands firmly with Governor Oyebanji, warning that the matter should not be allowed to threaten the long-standing religious harmony and brotherhood in the state.

“Muslims in Ekiti State are not hooligans or extremists. We are peace-loving people. We want this matter resolved quickly, and we trust the leadership of Governor Oyebanji not to allow it to escalate.

“I appeal to our people to remain patient and allow the government to mediate and resolve the issue amicably. We have nothing to gain from any crisis. Even if we feel short-changed, the government can still make a decision that will pacify us.”

Providing clarity on the alleged demolition, the Chief Imam of Aramoko Ekiti, Alhaji Abdul-Raheem Junaid Bamigbola, lamented that two mosques had allegedly been demolished in Aramoko within six months to make room for development without corresponding efforts to rebuild them.

The Imam acknowledged the development efforts of Senator Bamidele in the community but stressed the importance of fulfilling his promise to rebuild a mosque as a way of pacifying aggrieved Muslim members.

He added that he had spoken with the contractor handling the market project, who confirmed that the rebuilding of the mosque was not included in the project’s scope of work. This, according to him, prompted members of the Muslim community to commence the rebuilding process before they were stopped and the mosque demolished by the community.

“We were surprised when the Alara-in-Council ordered us to stop work and subsequently demolished the mosque, despite earlier granting rebuilding approval. We are peaceful people, and we trust that the government will ensure justice prevails.

“What we are asking is that the mosque be rebuilt at a location acceptable to us. We believe the government can facilitate this to sustain the religious peace we currently enjoy in our dear state,” the Islamic scholar stated.

Also present at the parley were the Chairman of the Ekiti State Muslim Pilgrimage Welfare Board, Alhaji Salman Adedipe, and other notable Islamic leaders.