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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Islamic clerics from the South West region under the platform of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland have urged the United States of America and international organisations to refrain from making hasty generalisations or interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs in ways that could threaten peace and unity.
The clerics made the appeal in a communiqué issued at the end of a special consultative meeting held in Ibadan on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by top Islamic scholars including Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland; Sheikh Saadallah Bamgbola, Vice President; Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere, Grand Patron; Sheikh Muhammad Rabiu, Chief Imam of Osun State; Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi, Chief Imam of Ondo State; Sheikh Seifudeen Olowooribi, Chairman, Lagos State Rabita; Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory, Chairman, Board of Trustees; and Sheikh Mustapha Olawale Hossein Doak, General Secretary of the League.
The communiqué, read by the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, was in response to a statement reportedly made by U.S. President Donald Trump, designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged genocide against Christians.
The clerics described the claim as misleading and divisive, warning that such generalisations could jeopardise Nigeria’s peace efforts and damage its international image.
“The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland categorically rejects and refutes the claim of any form of genocidal act or targeted religious persecution in Nigeria,” the communiqué stated.
According to the Islamic leaders, Nigeria has continued to thrive as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society where citizens of diverse faiths coexist peacefully. While acknowledging that isolated cases of insecurity and communal clashes exist, they cautioned against misrepresenting such incidents as religiously motivated genocide.
“Such generalisations are misleading, divisive, and detrimental to the unity and peace we have been striving to maintain,” the statement added.
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Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence, the League noted that Islam, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), teaches tolerance, justice, and harmonious living with people of other faiths. They stressed that Muslims in Yorubaland have, for centuries, maintained peaceful relationships with Christians and traditional believers.
The clerics also called on international organisations and world leaders, particularly the U.S., to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and allow domestic challenges to be resolved through national dialogue and homegrown solutions.
“Nigeria is a sovereign state, and our domestic challenges like those faced by many nations should be addressed through cooperation and internal mechanisms, not through foreign impositions or biased narratives,” the communiqué read.
They further appealed to the global media and international observers to adopt responsible communication that promotes peace rather than fuels misunderstanding or tension.
“Nigeria’s image and unity are too valuable to be tainted by misinformation or politically motivated assertions,” the League said.
The clerics also urged Nigerians of all faiths to remain steadfast in peace, mutual respect, and national unity, emphasising that diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than division.
“We reiterate that Nigeria is not experiencing any genocide. We stand united as one people, under one God, and within one nation, committed to justice, peace, and coexistence,” the statement concluded.
The League prayed for divine guidance for Nigeria’s leaders and for enduring peace and progress across the country.
