Palpable Tension In Ondo Community Over Plan To Remove Chief Imam

By Ayodele Oni

Rumour of an alleged plan to remove the Chief Imam of Ikare Akoko in Ondo state, Alhaji Abass Abubakar is causing tension in the town, ahead of Friday’s Jumat.

There are indications that things have not been cordial among the embattled Chief Imam, the Olukare and some Muslims faithfuls in the town.

Ondo state League of Imams and state Council for Islamic Affairs have however called for caution among warting parties.

The League of Imams, in a statement signed by secretary general, Rasheed Akerele informed that “I am directed by the Chairman League of Imams and Alfas Ondo State Alh Ahmed Olagoke Aladesawe to inform the Muslim Community of Ondo State, particularly Ikare Muslim Community that the decision of the Government of Ondo state vice a vice the problem in Ikare Muslim Community is still in place.

“The problem, which has been resolved  by the Government should not be allowed to rear its ugly head again.

“The league of Imams and Alfas, Ondo State is not in support of the  removal or sacking of the Chief Imam of Ikare Akoko which is being rumored about in the state.

“The league of Imams and Alfas Ondo stood firmly with the government verdict which its  white paper was already out to the concerned groups.

“In the light of the above therefore, every individuals or groups should allow peace to reign in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State.

Also, the Islamic Affairs Council observed that “The Council got the unpleasant information of the termination of appointment of the Chief Imam of Ikare-Akoko – Alhaji Abbas Abubakar Muhammad through an Ikare Muslim Council letter dated 10th October, 2022 signed by Mr. Adewale Jimoh Abayomi – Chairman, Ikare Muslim Council, Alhaji R. Ayegbusi – Secretary Ikare Muslim Council and approved by HRM Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh J.P. (C.O.N.) the Olukare of Ikare-Akoko.

“The Council,  viewed this latest development as a very bad omen that could endanger the peaceful religious atmosphere in Ondo State. In order to forestall the breakdown of law and order in Ikare-Akoko and its environs.

“The Ondo State Government should call the Ikare Muslim Council to order, while the Ondo State League of Imams and Alfas under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmad Aladesawe should wade into the matters urgently.

The Council appreciate the steps taken so far by the Ondo State Government led by Mr. Governor – Arakunrin Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN to cub the imbroglio that had been on for sometime now in Ikare-Akoko. As a way to find a lasting peace to the crisis.

“The Council stand by the Ondo State Government white paper on the crisis and we implored the Ikare Muslim Council/Town to do the same so that peace and harmony could return to Ikare-Akoko in particular and Ondo State as a whole.”

The Council’s statement was signed by Alhaji Akinpelumi Abibullahi, State Chairman. Alhaji Atere Nasirullahi, State General Secretary.