Daud Olatunji
The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has urged Islamic scholars, leaders, and the entire Muslim community to transcend internal divisions and embrace a unified path toward progress.
Prof. Oloyede made this appeal during a three-day conference organized by the Robitatu-l-Aimmah wal Ulamoh fi Bilaadi Yoruba (The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land) held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The conference, centered on the theme “Strengthening Islamic Unity and Progress in Yoruba Land,” sought to address critical issues facing the Muslim community in the region.
In his keynote address, Prof. Oloyede emphasised that unity, grounded in the core principles of justice, compassion, and mutual respect, is paramount to ensuring both the social and political advancement of Muslims in Yoruba Land.
He noted that the fragmentation and disunity currently plaguing the Muslim community had significantly hampered their ability to advocate effectively for their rights and interests, leading to political marginalization and socio-economic inequalities.
…. A Call For Unity Beyond Differences
“Unity is a source of strength, and division is a precursor to weakness and decline,” Oloyede stated, addressing the gathering of imams, scholars, and Muslim leaders.
He urged the audience to rise above doctrinal, ideological, and social differences, noting that the Muslim faith teaches the importance of solidarity.
“We must recognize that what unites us far outweighs what divides us. It is time to imagine a future where Muslim communities across Yoruba Land are not only united but also thriving, playing a pivotal role in every sphere—social, economic, and political.”
Prof. Oloyede also drew attention to the responsibilities that come with leadership, encouraging scholars and community leaders to guide the Muslim Ummah with wisdom and empathy.
He stressed the need for open dialogue to address differences constructively, rather than through confrontation or antagonism, warning that continued fragmentation would only weaken the community.
… The Impact of Disunity on Political and Social Standing
Oloyede pointed to the lack of cohesive political representation as one of the key consequences of disunity, noting that fragmented Muslim communities are less capable of advocating for policies that reflect their needs and aspirations.
“A divided community cannot effectively advocate for its rights and interests,” he said.
“Our fragmentation has weakened our political leverage, leaving us unable to negotiate favorable outcomes for our community.
“As a result, policies that do not reflect the needs of Muslims are entrenched, further entrenching socio-economic inequalities.”
He referenced the hijab controversies that erupted in states such as Lagos, Osun, and Kwara as emblematic of the broader challenges facing the Muslim community.
“In Lagos, for instance, Muslim students faced significant pushback when they sought to exercise their right to wear the hijab in public schools, which resulted in years of legal battles and protests.
Although the Lagos Court of Appeal eventually ruled in favour of the students in 2017, Oloyede noted that the controversy revealed deep-rooted divisions within the community, hampering efforts to present a united front in defense of their religious rights.
“The fragmentation of our community has left us vulnerable to manipulation by external forces,” Oloyede added.
“Political leaders and parties have long capitalised on sectarian and ideological differences within the Muslim community to weaken our collective voice.
Rather than presenting a united front, we are often viewed as disorganized and divided, making it difficult to garner the respect and influence necessary to shape broader socio-political dynamics.”
… The Role Of The League Of Imams And Alfas
In his speech, Oloyede acknowledged the critical role played by the League of Imams and Alfas in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Muslim communities across Yoruba Land.
He called on the League to strengthen its efforts to foster unity and promote progress, noting that as a respected and influential body, the League is uniquely positioned to provide religious and moral guidance while facilitating collaboration among the diverse Muslim groups.
“The League has historically been a vital coordinating body, bringing together imams, scholars, and community leaders to address common challenges and promote Islamic values,” Oloyede said.
“By offering a platform for dialogue and consensus-building, the League has helped prevent factionalism and division from weakening the community.”
However, he also stressed the need for the League to do more in actively involving Muslim youth in leadership roles and decision-making processes.
“Our youth are the future of our community,” Oloyede remarked, adding that the failure to adequately engage young Muslims has resulted in missed opportunities for development.
He called for the establishment of youth councils, mentorship programs, and leadership training initiatives designed to empower young Muslims and ensure continuity of purpose and vision.
… Engaging And Empowering The Youth
Prof. Oloyede stressed the importance of creating avenues for young Muslims to take on leadership roles, contribute their perspectives, and be involved in decision-making processes.
“By actively involving young Muslims in the life of the community, the League can help ensure continuity and nurture a new generation of leaders committed to unity and progress,” he said.
He advocated for programs that reflect the broad spectrum of experiences and aspirations of young people in Yoruba Land, stressing the need for inclusivity, innovation, and the adoption of new technologies to engage the youth effectively.
Oloyede highlighted the potential for Muslim youth to transform their communities into “beacons of progress and prosperity,” provided they receive the proper support and guidance.
He envisioned a future where Muslims in Yoruba Land would be at the forefront of initiatives that promote education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and social justice.
“We must imagine a future where our collective efforts have transformed our communities into examples for others to follow, where our youth are well-educated and grounded in both religious and worldly knowledge, and where our contributions to societal development are acknowledged and celebrated by all,” Oloyede said.
… Addressing Internal Divisions
Prof. Oloyede also addressed the challenges posed by internal divisions within the Muslim community, particularly the fragmentation of Islamic scholarship and the decline of traditional centers of learning.
“Disunity has exacted a profound toll on our community, resulting in missed opportunities for development and progress,” he observed.
He noted that the fragmentation of Islamic scholarship had led to a disjointed and inconsistent body of knowledge, disconnected from the rich cultural and religious heritage that once flourished in Yoruba Land.
This disarray, according to Oloyede, has left many young Muslims without clear guidance or a sense of belonging, exacerbating the community’s drift from its cultural and intellectual roots.
“The failure to adopt a unified approach to establishing and supporting Islamic schools has denied many Muslim children access to quality education that integrates both Islamic and modern curricula,” he said, warning that this gap in education was creating formidable barriers to social mobility and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Prof. Oloyede called on the Muslim community in Yoruba Land to build bridges across their divides and work together for the collective good.
He urged them to engage in sincere and open discussions, fostering a culture of dialogue and understanding.
“We must cultivate an environment where differences are not viewed as threats but as opportunities for deeper engagement and collective growth,” he said.
Prof. Oloyede’s message resonated deeply with the audience, as he outlined a path forward for the Muslim community in Yoruba Land—one grounded in unity, compassion, and mutual respect.
“We can create a cohesive and resilient community, capable of withstanding external pressures and internal challenges alike,” he said, adding that the only way to achieve this was through solidarity, cooperation, and a commitment to the principles of Islam.
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