Oyo Muslim leaders condemn unjust treatment at Robita conference in Ijebu, clarify historical inaccuracies
Oyo State chapter of the League of Imams and Alfas (Rabitatul Aimah Wal-ulamah of Yorubaland) has raised concerns over perceived marginalization and exclusion of its historic contributions to the formation and growth of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland.
The grievances, highlighted in a statement issued by the body, reveal what they describe as a pattern of erasure of Oyo State’s key figures in the League’s records and recent anniversary celebrations.
The League of Imams and Alfas, established decades ago, has been central to uniting and strengthening the Islamic community across Yorubaland. The Oyo State chapter alleges that the contributions of its Imams and Alfas, particularly in the formative years of the League, have been omitted or overshadowed, with influential figures being relegated to mere acknowledgments as “fathers” rather than being given due credit.
The statement specifically cited the recent sixtieth-anniversary conference in Ijebu-Ode, where they allege that leadership roles and contributions of Oyo State’s founding members were either inaccurately attributed or omitted.
The statement reads, “We, the members of the Oyo State branch of the league, had noticed that the league has deviated from what it was in the past, and that some of its members today consider it their individual property. This we considered to be insignificant, until the recent happenings at the just concluded League of Imams and Alfas conference held in Ijebu-Ode (between 07-09 of October , year 2024).
“The unjust treatment melted against the Oyo State chapter of the league ranging from not recognizing the efforts of our Imams and Alfas except by referring to them as the fathers (Awon Baba Baba) and Co-Founders, or by not even mentioning or referring to them at all, as if their names were forbidden from reverence and praise.”
In the statement, Oyo Imams pointed out that Shaykh Burhanuddin Sanusi Elesinmeta, Shaykh Salman Alawaye, and other distinguished clerics were instrumental in advocating for the League’s creation, yet their names were absent from significant references, marking what they feel is an intentional attempt to rewrite the League’s history.
They also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of Oyo representation in key decision-making committees and program assignments. Further, they allege an ongoing trend to concentrate leadership and control within a small circle, often excluding voices from Oyo State.
Rabitatul Aimah Wal-ulamah of Yorubaland concluded by urging the League’s leadership to acknowledge the oversights, restore historical accuracy, and ensure balanced representation.
They emphasized the unity of the Muslim community and called for a return to the founding principles of the League, which they stressed was built on cooperation and mutual respect among Yoruba states.
