Muslim clerics in Ekiti State have called on governments at all levels to sustain the fight against insecurity across Nigeria, saying lasting peace and national development can only be achieved when citizens are able to live and carry out their daily activities without fear.
The clerics also urged the government to establish separate Welfare Boards for Muslims and Christians, describing the move as a practical step towards strengthening religious harmony, improving engagement with faith-based organisations and ensuring fairness in the administration of religious affairs.
The resolutions were reached during the general meeting of the League of Imams and Alfas, Ekiti State Chapter, held on Thursday at the Central Mosque, Ise Ekiti, in Ise/Orun Local Government Area.
The gathering attracted Chief Imams and Islamic scholars from all the 16 local government areas of the state.
The meeting was presided over by the President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas for the South-West, Edo and Delta States, Fadheelat Sheikh Dr. Jamiu Kewulere Bello, while special prayers were offered for peace, security and national stability, with the clerics seeking divine intervention to help the government overcome the country’s security challenges.
In a statement issued after the meeting and signed by the League’s Media Officer, Alhaji Yusuf Akeusola, the clerics acknowledged ongoing efforts by the government to tackle insecurity, but stressed that more commitment and sustained action were needed to restore lasting peace across the country.
They maintained that creating dedicated Welfare Boards for both Islam and Christianity would provide stronger institutional support for religious activities, simplify government interactions with faith-based organisations and further promote peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religions.
The clerics commended the Ekiti State Government for its support to the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, noting that establishing separate Welfare Boards for the two major religions would provide a more enduring structure capable of improving efficiency and strengthening collaboration between government and religious communities.
The Islamic leaders also offered prayers for President Bola Tinubu, asking God to grant him wisdom and strength in his efforts to improve the nation’s economy and overall well-being of Nigerians.
They described the President as a determined leader and urged citizens to continue supporting his administration to achieve its developmental goals.
They equally pledged their support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, expressing confidence in his commitment to the continued growth and development of Ekiti State.
Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Ekiti State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Salman Adedipe, praised Governor Oyebanji for what he described as the administration’s proactive support for the Board, saying the government’s assistance had contributed significantly to the success of recent Hajj operations in the state.
Alhaji Adedipe urged Muslims to continue projecting the achievements of the government positively as a way of promoting mutual trust, understanding and cooperation between the government and the people.
He also announced that payment for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage would close at the end of September this year, urging intending pilgrims to complete their payments early through the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
He assured prospective pilgrims that the Board had put adequate structures in place to ensure another smooth, transparent and hitch-free pilgrimage exercise.
Also speaking, renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Yahyi Akorede, popularly known as Oko-Oso Oko Aje and the Balogun Oniwasi of Ekiti State, stressed the need for unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
He said national progress and stability could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
The clerics thereafter paid a courtesy visit to the Arinjale of Ise Kingdom, Oba Dr. David Ayodele Adetunji Ajayi, to congratulate him on his 25th anniversary on the throne.
Responding, the monarch expressed appreciation to the League for the visit, describing the gathering of prominent Islamic scholars in Ise-Ekiti as a blessing for the kingdom.
He noted that prayers offered by men of God always attracted divine favour to communities and thanked the host Chief Imam of Ise-Ekiti, Sheikh Usman Ayolo, for hosting the meeting, which coincided with activities marking his silver jubilee on the throne.
