O’ODUA THREAT: More Islamic groups rally support for MURIC, Akintala, as CAN leaders choose silence

*Allegations of terrorism, threat against MURIC horrendous lies, says UNI-ABUJA Imam

*O’odua group’s press release declaration of war against Muslims, Islam – MSSN B-Zone

*Group’s existence still shrouded in ambiguity – Investigation

By KEMI KASUMU

Although existence of a tripartite rather Yoruba ethnic group called O’odua Isedale-Muslim-Christian Council (OIMUCC) is yet to be confirmed, its Tuesday August 15, 2023 press statement where it called Professor Ishaq Akintola,  his Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and Christian Association of terrorists has continued not to be treated with levity.

To this end,, a coalition of Muslim ororganizatioas, the Muslim Action Against Aggression and Oppression (MAAAO), has waded into the matter with both statement that put allegations by the faceless council against, particularly MURIC and its leader, off as horrendous lies, grave allegations and sectarian profiling mischievously hurled against the person of a highly respected voice in Professor Ishaq Lakin Akintola.

According to the coalition of Muslim organisations in a statement, signed by the Chief Imam, University of Abuja, Prof. Taofiq Abdul-Azeez, the threat against Professor Akintola; his family and his group is a threat to all Muslims, all over the world, which must not be taking lightly.

This online newspaper could not ascertain why the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) continues to keep silence despite the very serious allegations of terrorism that also rub off on it like of MURUC and Akintola, as WhatsApp enquiries encouraging reactions from CAN President David Okoh, Lagos CAN Chairman Stephen’s Adegbite and World’s Bishop Council Spokesman Segun Adeoye, since on Tuesday, we’re yet to be responded to.

In the latest rraction of South West Nigeria side (B-Zone) of Musl8m Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), from its headquarters in Ibadan, dated 6th Safar 1445 equivalent to 23rd August, 2023 and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Wednesday, the O’odua Isedale-Muslim-Christian Council’s press release was described as “an open declaration of war on Muslims and Islam”.

The MSSN’s reaction was contained in a statement jointly signed by three of its officers namely, Barrister Qaasim Odedeji, Amir/Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Abdul Jalil Abdur Razaq, Secretary, and Mallam Tahir Mas’ud, Public Relations Officer, for the B-Zone.

Acknowledging receipt of what it described as a reprehensible threat release by a faceless group which calls itself ‘Oodua-Isedale-Muslim-Christian-Council’, the MSSN B-Zone gave its response to the “unpopular but not to be dismissed release”, as a critical stakeholder in the South West Muslim community,.

It said, “The release is an open declaration of war against Islam and Muslims as it was based on allegations that are not only frivolous but also deeply mischievous

“The allegations contained in the communique are direct affront to the entire law-abiding and peace-loving Muslims in Yorubaland and specifically offensive and threatening against the personality of our highly respected Professor Lakin Akintola and the Muslim Rights’ Concern MURIC. It needs to be noted however that Prof. Akintola’s actions in ensuring the protection of the rights of Muslims and Islam in Nigeria have the support of the entire Muslims, hence, any attack on him or any other Muslim activist or organization is a direct attack on all Muslims.

“Therefore, the group behind OIMUCC press release will be held responsible for any violent action against Professor Akintola or any Muslim activist.

“MSSN B-Zone calls on law enforcement agencies, especially the Inspector General to take swift and decisive action in identifying and apprehending the members of OIMUCC, investigate and prosecute their members for threat to lives and conduct likely to cause breach of peace. Safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their background, are paramount.

“Furthermore, we want to urge His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Adewusi, as a revered Yoruba paramount ruler, to use his esteemed influence to call the group to order since the purported meeting was said to be held within his domain in Ile-Ife. Doing otherwise may give a negative impression of bias in favour of the faceless group by His Royal Majesty

“It is highly necessary that the threat-issuing group be held accountable for their reckless actions. Their attempt to incite hatred and harm among our diverse society is deeply concerning and goes against the values of unity that we hold dear.

“The Southwest Muslims will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering peace and understanding among all religious and ethnic groups. We however stand united against any attempt to disrupt the harmony that defines our nation.

“And finally, let it be stated for umpteenth time that no Muslim activist or organization will surrender to intimidation from any individual or group in our efforts at protecting the rights of Muslims in Nigeria in general or any of its component units,” the MSSN B-Zone said.

Threat to Akintola, MURIC in the eyes of Muslims

A peep into the past shows that Muslims do not take threat to the life of MURIC leader, Akintola, with a pinch of salt and this widespread reaction over O’dua Isedale-Muslim-Christian press release is not the first time Muslims in Nigeria would demonstrate their full-fledged support for MURIC and its leader, Professor Ishaq Lakin Akintola,  against their adversaries.

In March 2019, concerned Muslims groups, standing on his side against a senior official of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), had bemoaned a threat to life of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)’s leader, Professor Ishaq Akintola, urging the Federal Government to investigate the matter and sanction the official accordingly.

The DEFENDER recalls that a Deputy registrar in WAEC, Henry S. A. Osidehinde, had allegedly issued a threat against Akintola during a WAEC seminar for teachers held at the council’s headquarters in Ogba, Ikeja, on Thursday 14th March, 2019.

Audio by the registrar, which had gone viral on social media, sparked concerns on the safety of the Muslim activist with the several Muslim groups rising to the occasion and one of them saying, “It’s very unfortunate for a public official to make that particular statement.”