- Warns Against Unnecessary Tens ion
The Osun State League of Imams and Alfas has faulted the demand by the Iwo Board of Ulama that Governor Ademola Adeleke should appoint an indigene of Iwo as Chairman of the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The Ulama had during a press conference attended by representatives of various Muslim organisations and Islamic scholars from the town, urged the governor to appoint an indigene of Iwo as chairman of the Hajj Board.
But the League of Imams and Alfas, in a communiqué dated October 8, 2026, addressed to Governor Adeleke, described the demand as unfounded, misleading and capable of creating tension within the Muslim Ummah.
The communique signed by the Grand Imam of Osun State, Shaykh Musa Animasahu, noted that the Pilgrims Board is a government institution in which it is a stakeholder, adding that no individual, subgroup or single community has the authority to unilaterally lay claim to the office.
To set the record straight, the League provided a breakdown of past and present chairmen of the Board by zone.
According to the league, “Iwo axis has produced three chairmen – Alhaji Liad Tella, Sheikh Amutatullah Abdul-Rasheed and Alhaji Abdul-Hammed Akintayo.
“Ijesha zone has produced two – Alhaji Rahman Babatunde Muhammed and Alhaji Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan, while Osogbo zone has also produced three – Shaykh Tajudeen A. Arikewuyo, Alhaji Lateef Owolabi and the incumbent, Dr. Moruf Isola, who is expected to serve till 2030.”
It noted that Ede, Ife, Ikire and Ikirun zones are yet to produce a chairman.
The League said it would be equitable for priority to be given to the unrepresented zones upon the expiration of the incumbent’s tenure in 2030.
It appealed to Governor Adeleke to allow the League to deliberate and present the most qualified candidate when the time for succession arrives, as was done during his first administration.
The communiqué also congratulated Governor Adeleke on his August 15 electoral victory, describing it as a testament to the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state.
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