Oluwo Calls on Muslim Clerics to Engage in Politics

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called on Muslim clerics to get involved in politics. He believes that being part of politics is important for the Muslim community to push their interests and shape public policy.

The Oluwo also supported the newly formed League of Imams and Alfas of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta. He said its creation is a big step for Islamic leadership in the South-West and nearby states.

Oba Akanbi made these comments on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State. This was during the launch of the League of Imams and Alfas of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, according to his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli.

Alli shared in a statement to Sunday PUNCH that over 1,000 Islamic clerics from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Edo, and Delta states attended the event.

The statement added that the new organization aims to promote Islam and create a more inclusive leadership structure among Imams and Alfas in the region. The league also rejected claims that it would divide the Muslim community. They said their registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission is meant to boost their legitimacy and encourage grassroots participation.

While speaking to the crowd, the Oluwo called the new organization “a new dawn” for Muslim leadership. He urged members to stay united for its success.

He said, “There may be challenges at the formation stage. I have strong hope that this registered league will strive and become greater. This is the only League of Imams and Alfas known by law, legally binding and recognized by the government. It is here to stay, fully certified and recognized by the Corporate Affairs Commission.”

The Oluwo explained that this registration is more about progress than splitting the current Islamic leadership.

“I commend those who ensured Yorubaland, Edo and Delta Muslims under Imams and Alfas are registered to be recognized by law. It is an improvement and one of the testimonies that our children should be greater than us. It is not a division. It is an improvement.

“I appeal for your active participation in politics. If you are politically powerful, politicians will call you. You won’t run after them like we experience now.

“We need you to be in power. You can be elected or appointed. Join a political party today and be active. As Muslims, you need power. The power will not come to you easily,” he said.

The Oluwo believes that decentralizing leadership in the new organization will give local Imams and Alfas more recognition and promote inclusiveness in the region.