A newly launched league of imams and alfas in Southwest Nigeria has been condemned for posing a potential risk of extremist influence, including Boko Haram, in the region.
Speaking on Thursday, the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Abdulrasaz Ishola, described the new organization as an “impersonation” that threatens to destabilize religious harmony in the Southwest. He questioned the legitimacy of the league, noting that it included states such as Edo and Delta, which are not part of the region.
“Two or three individuals cannot claim to launch a league and misrepresent the Islamic authority in our region,” Ishola said. “This move could lead to the spread of extremist ideologies we have long worked to prevent.”
He also criticized the group’s apparent plan to align with northern Islamic organizations, saying such efforts are unnecessary and potentially divisive. “Our authentic League of Imams and Alfas has always collaborated with other Muslim bodies without creating conflict. This new league appears to have a hidden agenda”, he added.
Ishola called on communities to remain vigilant and to reject the new league’s claims, emphasizing that religious unity and knowledge-based leadership are essential for maintaining peace in Yorubaland.
On the issue of Ramadan moon sighting, Ishola reaffirmed the Southwest league’s use of astronomical calculations to determine fasting dates. He explained that the league had set February 18 as the start of Ramadan, noting that calculations provide the most accurate method for the modern era.
“The northern method relies on moon sighting, while we use calculations. Both aim to guide Muslims in observing their fasts correctly. There is no conflict, only misinformation being spread”, he said.
