The Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS) on Sunday unveiled a constitution that will govern its affairs henceforth.
MUSCOYS held the inauguration in Ibadan at a “special stakeholder consultative forum” attended by delegates, Muslim personalities, academicians and representatives of various Muslim organizations from the five zones of Oyo State.
At the event, also attended by government representatives, stakeholders called on members of the ummah, as well as followers of Muslim sects and organizations, to discard perceived differences and unite for the sake of Islam and the growth of religion.
Stakeholders exchanged ideas on how to chart a way forward for the progress of Islam and the unity and development of the faithful.
The President of MUSCOYS, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, explained that the conference was organized to devise ways to strengthen unity, love and brotherhood among Muslims in Oyo State.
Alhaji Sanni highlighted the need for Muslims to avoid discrimination and divisive tendencies, and urged imams to be aware of the responsibility of fostering unity within their congregations.
“We must support each other so we can have our fair share and claim what is due to us,” he said.
Speaking on the repositioning of MUSCOYS, the Secretary-General of the organisation, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, hinted that the new constitution would bring about comprehensive structures to achieve a united Muslim community across Oyo State.
“All delegates are requested to return to their respective places to form Area Unit Muslim Communities which will be under the Ward Muslim Communities, which will be under the Local Government Muslim Communities and these will be under the Oyo State Muslim Community ”Siyanbade explained.
The Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Professor Muslih Yahya, said the essence of the conference was in line with one of the objectives of MUSWEN, which is the promotion of unity among Muslims.
One of the speakers at the conference, Dr. Bashir Olanrewaju Elesinmeta, chief missionary of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria in Oyo State, called on Muslims to retrace their steps and regain the semblance of communal life. established. in Medina by the prophet Muhammad who gave rise to peaceful coexistence and contributed to the spread of Islam.
Dr. Elesinmeta called on Muslim elders to lead the return of the era when Muslims set the pace in terms of growth and development for the rest of humanity.
“I call on Muslims to follow the commands and prophetic teachings of Allah. Let our League of Imams and Alphas regulate preaching, especially on social media, to avoid antagonism. And we should have a common front in political participation for our benefit and that of future generations,” said Dr. Elesinmeta.
He used quotes from the Quran to underline the importance of unity among Muslims and warn against disunity, altercations and misunderstandings.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his personal assistant, Alhaji Akeem Azeez, urged the organizers to make the gathering an annual event and asked Islamic clerics to be restrained in their media preachings to protect against misinformation and other undesirable consequences.
Muslim leaders from Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa and Oke Ogun areas highlighted the challenges and successes recorded by the Muslim communities in their areas.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Administration, Alhaji Zakariya Kunle Sanni, urged Muslims to remain united and prioritize the education of their children.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Abubakri Agbotomokekere, was represented by Mogaji Onisiniyan, Imam Hassan Ameen.