The Council of Islamic Preachers, has appealed to residents of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun communities to maintain peace and avoid actions that could incite further violence.
The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of a communal conflict resolution dialogue held in Osogbo on Sunday, which was attended by Islamic leaders from the affected areas and representatives of the Osun State Government.
The communiqué, signed by Imam Abdullahi Olohunlomerue, Deputy National Amir of the Council, outlined the need for sustainable dialogue and mutual understanding between the warring communities.
“It also intended to rebuild fractured relationships and chart a sustainable path to peace,” the document read, adding that participants included Islamic scholars, community leaders, political stakeholders, and government officials.
The meeting concluded with a collective pledge by representatives from the three communities to commit themselves to peace efforts and support the state government’s peacebuilding initiatives.
Speaking at the dialogue, Imam Olohunlomerue emphasised the collective duty of Islamic preachers to promote peace and referenced the efforts of Sheikh Olayiwola during the historic Ife-Modakeke crisis.
“Religious leaders across the state should emulate past examples of intervention. Clerics must be vocal in matters of injustice and reconciliation,” he stressed.
Delivering the keynote address, Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Oloko from Saki, Oyo State, advised religious scholars to embody patience, fairness, and the wisdom necessary for mediating community disputes.
Sheikh Oloko warned that “silence from clerics during periods of injustice could exacerbate tensions, urging preachers to consistently advocate for peace across all their platforms.”
In his remarks, the Mufassir of Ifon-Orolu, Sheikh Nurain Adegoke, stressed that the roots of meaningful resolution must come from within the communities themselves.
He expressed hope that continued dialogue among stakeholders would soon yield a lasting resolution to the long-standing disputes.
The Chief Imam of Ilobu, Dr Abdul-Azeez, highlighted the need for introspection within the clerical ranks, condemning the spread of inflammatory rhetoric by certain religious figures.
Addressing the audience, the Mufassir of Erin-Osun, Imam Sokoto, decried the exploitation of religion as a tool for escalating conflict.
He challenged scholars to adhere strictly to the teachings of the Qur’an and to live exemplary lives rather than merely preaching.
Representing the Osun State Governor, Munirudeen Raji reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the affected communities.
Raji reiterated that Governor Ademola Adeleke remained dedicated to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for perpetuating violence.
He assured participants that the state government would continue to support initiatives aimed at healing divisions and strengthening communal bonds.
“Meanwhile, the members of the council thereafter visited the three royal fathers of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin-Osun at their palaces where they all pledged with their subjects to cooperate with the state government in making sure tranquility returns to their domains,” the communique further read.
