Oke-Ogun Muslims reaffirm commitment to unity, recognized Islamic leadership of Sultan
By NASRUDEEN ABBAS
He stated that Muslims in Oke-Ogun align with the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah under the spiritual authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, describing the Sultan’s position as a unifying symbol for Muslims across ethnic, regional, and cultural lines.
Muslims in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State have reaffirmed their commitment to unity, peace, and adherence to established Islamic leadership in Nigeria.
The Grand Chief Imam of Sepeteri, Al-Imām Engr. Abdulhakeem Demola Raji, made this known in a press statement emphasizing the importance of order, consultation, and collective responsibility in Islam. He noted that the religion strongly discourages division, discord, and the politicisation of religious matters.
According to him, Muslims in Oke-Ogun have consistently demonstrated maturity and resilience by resisting attempts by divisive elements to create disunity within the Ummah for selfish or political interests.
Speaking on issues that require collective observance—particularly the commencement and conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan—the cleric stressed that Islamic teachings mandate obedience to recognized leadership, in line with the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He stated that Muslims in Oke-Ogun align with the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah under the spiritual authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, describing the Sultan’s position as a unifying symbol for Muslims across ethnic, regional, and cultural lines.
The statement further clarified that Muslims in the area will not independently declare moon sightings or make pronouncements on national Islamic matters, but will await official announcements from the Sultanate Council through recognized channels.
“Islam is a religion of order, consultation, and collective responsibility. It firmly rejects division, discord, and the politicization of religious affairs. Muslims in Oke-Ogun have continued to demonstrate maturity and resilience by resisting attempts by divisive elements to sow disunity within the Ummah for selfish or political interests.
“In matters that require collective Islamic observance—particularly the commencement and completion of the blessed month of Ramaḍān—Islamic teachings emphasize obedience to recognized leadership, as guided by the Glorious Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ.
“In line with this guidance, Muslims in Oke-Ogun align themselves with the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah under the spiritual authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa‘ad Abubakar, CFR, whose position remains a unifying symbol for Muslims across ethnic, regional, and cultural boundaries.
“Accordingly, Muslims in Oke-Ogun will not act independently in declaring moon sighting or other national Islamic matters, but will await official announcements issued by the Sultanate Council through appropriate and recognized channels.
“This position is borne out of sincere conviction, faithfulness to Islamic principles, and a deep commitment to preserving unity, harmony, and mutual respect within the Ummah,” said Al-Imām Engr. Abdulhakeem Demola Raji.
The Grand Chief Imam called on Muslims in Oke-Ogun and beyond to remain calm, united, and guided by wisdom, urging them to place the collective interest of Islam above personal, sectional, or political considerations.
He concluded with prayers for unity, sound leadership, and lasting peace within the Nigerian Muslim Ummah. “May Allah unite our hearts, guide our leaders aright, and grant lasting peace to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah. Āmīn.”
