Afenifere warns MURIC against ‘inciting religious conflict’ over Ekiti mosque demolition

Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, has cautioned the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) against making statements that could stoke religious tension in Ekiti state and the south-west zone.

The warning comes in response to MURIC’s criticism of the demolition of two mosques in Aramoko, Ekiti west LGA.

A statement on Monday by Ishaq Akintola, executive director of MURIC, said the first mosque was brought down “without any clear explanation”.

“MURIC affirms that the demolition of Sabo Central Mosque for Opeyemi Bamidele’s constituency project breaches Allah-given fundamental human rights of the Muslims of Aramoko. It is also a violation of Section 38(i)&(ii) which guarantees freedom of worship,” Akintola said.

However, Gabriel Alonge, Afenifere chairman in Ekiti, described the claims as “unfounded and dangerous,” accusing Akintola of attempting to incite religious unrest in a region known for peace and religious tolerance.

“We read the press statement of Prof. Ishaq Akintola with grave concerns. We have also dug deeper into the veracity of his claims that Senator Bamidele declared war on Muslims for demolishing a mosque in Aramoko Ekiti, the headquarters of Ekiti West Local Government Area, Ekiti State,” the statement reads.

“Our findings revealed that Senator Bamidele facilitated the reconstruction of Alara Modern Market in Aramoko Ekiti. We also found out that the market, comprising 60 open shops and 40 lock-up shops, was inaugurated on the 28th March 2025 and handed over to Alara-in-Council and Ekiti West Local Government, the two original owners of the property.

“We found out that Chief Imam of Aramoko Ekiti, Alfa Raheem Bamigbola offered the opening prayer at the inauguration of the market last year. Where did Prof. Akintola get his information?”

Afenifere warned that such statements could trigger unnecessary conflict, especially given the region’s recent recovery from tensions surrounding proposed Shariah arbitration panels.

“We call on the DSS and the police to profile individuals making inciting comments. Yorubaland is known for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence—not for toxic rhetoric that endangers our unity,” the group added.