By Ayodele Oni
The Ipetu Ijesa Central Mosque in Osun State has been sealed as the leadership crisis rocking ansar-ud-deen community persists.
The Muslim Youth Forum has appealed to Inspector-General of Police to intervene, investigate circumstances surrounding the incident, and prevent any possible breakdown of law and order in the community.
This was contained in a statement signed by its Secretary, Hassan Mikail, and Chairman, Fatahi Muhammad.
According to the forum, the controversy began on October 6, 2026, when a group of individuals reportedly arrived in Ipetu Ijesa from Osogbo and proceeded to seal the Ansar-Ud-Deen Mosque, previously known as Ipetu Ijesa Central Mosque, allegedly with the assistance of persons believed to be police officers.
It said the individuals first visited the palace of the Ajalaye of Ipetu Ijesa before proceeding to the mosque.
The forum alleged that no court order, injunction, or other judicial instrument authorising the action was presented at the scene.
The group also questioned the authority under which the police officers participated in the operation, stating that no written directive from their superior authorities was produced.
It added that the documents reportedly relied upon included applications or correspondence addressed to the High Court of Justice, Ilesa, and a purported letter to the Commissioner of Police, which it claimed was not duly received or acknowledged by the appropriate office.
The group called for an independent verification of the documents, including their authenticity, source, receipt and legal status, and said an application seeking judicial relief cannot be equated with an order granting such relief.
Central to the controversy is the leadership of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society in Ipetu Ijesa.
The forum said both the High Court of Justice sitting in Ilesa and the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure had affirmed Alhaji Zakariyyah Sarumi as the Chief Missionary of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Ipetu Ijesa.
It added that the mosque belongs to the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society and argued that any attempt to interfere with its administration or leadership must comply with existing judicial pronouncements and established legal procedures.
The forum disclosed another development which it said occurred on November 1, 2026, when some individuals said to be from the state and national structures of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society allegedly gathered at the palace of the Ajalaye of Ipetu Ijesa.
It stated that the group reportedly presented Mubarak Qoseem, identified as a younger brother of the Ajalaye’s wife, as the Chief Missionary.
The forum said the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society conducted interviews for two candidates in 2013 and Imam Zakariyyah Sarumi emerged as the best candidate.
It added that he was given a date and was duly turbaned on April 17, 2014 as the Chief Missionary of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society in Ipetu Ijesa.
The forum described the development as a serious concern in view of the previous court judgments affirming Sarumi’s position.
It further alleged that the Ajalaye openly expressed support for the decision and indicated his willingness to support Qoseem in displacing Sarumi.
The group argued that any attempt to install or recognise another individual in a manner inconsistent with operative court judgments raises questions about respect for judicial authority and may warrant judicial examination for possible contempt of court.
It urged traditional authorities and religious institutions to respect the authority of competent courts and refrain from actions capable of undermining the administration of justice.
The forum also expressed concern over what it described as alleged attempts to provoke confrontation and unrest in Ipetu Ijesa.
While acknowledging the constitutional responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force to maintain law and order and protect lives and property, the forum expressed concern over the alleged involvement of police officers in the mosque-sealing operation.
It requested that the Inspector-General of Police initiate an independent review of the conduct of the officers involved, including the role of the Divisional Police Officer and the Osun State Commissioner of Police.
Among the issues it wants investigated are the existence and validity of any court order authorising the mosque’s sealing, the identity and command structure of the officers involved, the authority for their deployment, and the authenticity of the documents reportedly presented during the operation.
The forum also appealed for adequate security protection for individuals allegedly exposed to threats, and warned that credible security concerns should be addressed before they escalate into violence.
Concluding its statement, the forum reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law.
“We do not seek war. We do not seek revenge. We do not seek confrontation. We seek justice, accountability, the protection of lives and properties, respect for the rule of law, and above all, peace in Ipetu Ijesa,” the statement read.
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