ROOBITOH inaugurated in Ibadan, unveils agenda for Muslim unity, scholarship, development
By NASRUDEEN ABBAS
To strengthen collaboration within the Muslim community, the league announced plans to work closely with established Islamic organisations, including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and other reputable Muslim bodies.
The League of Imams and Alfas of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta (ROOBITOH) has been formally inaugurated, with members pledging to strengthen Muslim unity, promote authentic Islamic scholarship, and enhance the welfare of the Muslim community across the three regions of North, West and East of Nigeria.
The inaugural programme, held on Saturday June 27, 2026 at Yinbol College, Orogun, Ibadan, Oyo State, brought together Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, Du’āt, academics, professionals, traditional rulers, representatives of government, security agencies, Muslim organisations and other stakeholders under the theme, “Unity, Leadership, and Progress: Advancing the Ummah Across Regional Frontiers.”
At the end of the event, participants adopted a communiqué outlining the vision, objectives and operational framework of the newly established league.
The DEFENDER reports that the communiqué was signed by Sheikh Engr. AbdulHakeem Demola Raji, R. COREN, MNSE, MNIEEE, Grand Chief Imam of Sepeteri Land and Chairman of the Planning Committee of the League.
According to the communiqué, ROOBITOH reaffirmed its commitment to the teachings of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah, based on the understanding of the righteous predecessors (Salaf), while emphasizing the importance of preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah and rejecting sectarianism, extremism and unnecessary divisions.
The league called on Imams, Alfas, scholars, Islamic organisations and community leaders to strengthen brotherhood, consultation (Shūrā) and cooperation to advance Islam and foster the development of Muslim communities across Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States.
As part of its strategic programmes, ROOBITOH announced plans to organise regular Islamic conferences, seminars, workshops, leadership training and scholarly engagements aimed at improving the capacity of Imams, Alfas and Islamic preachers.
The league also approved the establishment of a Fatāwā and Research Council comprising qualified scholars to issue Islamic legal opinions, conduct research and provide guidance on contemporary issues affecting Muslims.
In addition, ROOBITOH pledged to prioritise the spiritual, educational, social and economic welfare of Muslims through initiatives that would improve the living conditions of Imams and Alfas, strengthen Islamic education, support vulnerable members of society, promote economic empowerment and encourage community development.
The communiqué further highlighted plans to expand authentic Islamic education through Qur’anic schools, Arabic institutions, learning centres, Da’wah programmes and publications rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
On national issues, the league reaffirmed Islam’s commitment to peace, justice, good governance and peaceful coexistence while advocating for the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of Muslims.
ROOBITOH also approved the commencement of a comprehensive membership registration exercise and the creation of a database of Imams, Alfas, scholars and Islamic institutions across Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States. Eligible Islamic leaders were encouraged to join the organisation and contribute to its objectives.
To strengthen collaboration within the Muslim community, the league announced plans to work closely with established Islamic organisations, including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and other reputable Muslim bodies.
Recognising the importance of leadership succession, ROOBITOH said it would establish structured mentorship and leadership development programmes for young Imams, Islamic preachers and students of knowledge to ensure continuity in authentic Islamic scholarship.
The organisation also declared its intention to serve as a platform for representing the collective interests of Imams, Alfas and the wider Muslim Ummah through lawful engagement, advocacy, consultation and constructive dialogue.
Participants approved the hosting of an Annual General Conference to review the league’s activities, strengthen unity among members and develop strategies for the continued advancement of Islam.
The inaugural gathering concluded with a vote of appreciation to scholars, traditional rulers, government officials, security agencies, donors, volunteers and participants whose contributions ensured the success of the event.
The communiqué formally declared ROOBITOH inaugurated and operational with immediate effect, expressing optimism that the organisation would serve as a platform for unity, authentic Islamic scholarship, consultation and the overall development of Muslims in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States.
See the full text of the communique below:
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE INAUGURAL PROGRAMME OF THE LEAGUE OF IMAMS AND ALFAS YORUBALAND, EDO AND DELTA (ROOBITOH – رابطة)
DATE: SATURDAY, 12TH MUHARRAM 1448AH | 27TH JUNE, 2026
VENUE: YINBOL COLLEGE, OROGUN, IBADAN, OYO STATE
THEME:
“UNITY, LEADERSHIP, AND PROGRESS: ADVANCING THE UMMAH ACROSS REGIONAL FRONTIERS.”
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our Noble Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ, his family, his Companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Resurrection.
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta (ROOBITOH – رابطة) successfully held its inaugural programme on Saturday, 27th June, 2026, at Yinbol College, Orogun, Ibadan, Oyo State, under the theme “Unity, Leadership, and Progress: Advancing the Ummah Across Regional Frontiers.”
The programme brought together eminent Chief Imams, scholars, Du’āt, academics, professionals, traditional rulers, representatives of government, security agencies, Muslim organizations, and distinguished guests from across Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States.
PREAMBLE
Having deliberated extensively on matters affecting the Muslim Ummah and the future of Islamic leadership in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, the participants unanimously adopted the following communique as the guiding framework for the activities and aspirations of ROOBITOH, founded upon the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah according to the understanding of the righteous predecessors (السلف الصالح), with the objective of strengthening Tawḥīd, preserving the unity of the Ummah, and promoting the spiritual and worldly welfare of Muslims.
1. GRATITUDE TO ALLAH
The participants expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) for granting success to the inauguration of ROOBITOH and prayed that He blesses the League with sincerity, steadfastness, and lasting benefit for the Muslim Ummah.
2. FOUNDATION OF ROOBITOH
ROOBITOH reaffirms that it is firmly established upon the pure creed of Tawḥīd, the Noble Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah according to the understanding of the righteous predecessors (السلف الصالح). The League shall remain committed to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while rejecting sectarianism, extremism, and every form of unnecessary division.
3. UNITY OF THE MUSLIM UMMAH
The League called upon all Muslims, particularly Imams, Alfas, scholars, Islamic organizations, and community leaders, to strengthen brotherhood, mutual respect, consultation (Shūrā), and cooperation upon righteousness and piety for the advancement of Islam and the development of the Muslim Ummah.
4. ADVANCEMENT OF ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP
ROOBITOH shall organize regular Dawrah, conferences, seminars, workshops, leadership development programmes, and scholarly engagements to improve the knowledge, competence, and effectiveness of Imams, Alfas, Du’āt, and Islamic scholars.
5. ESTABLISHMENT OF A FATĀWĀ AND RESEARCH COUNCIL
The League approved the establishment of a Council of qualified scholars responsible for issuing authentic Fatāwā, conducting Islamic research, and providing sound Islamic guidance on contemporary issues affecting Muslims.
6. WELFARE AND UPLIFTMENT OF THE UMMAH
The League affirms that the spiritual, educational, social, and economic welfare of Muslims shall remain one of its foremost priorities. It shall pursue programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Imams and Alfas, strengthening Islamic education, promoting community development, encouraging economic empowerment, supporting vulnerable Muslims, and enhancing the overall well-being of the Muslim Ummah in accordance with Islamic teachings.
7. PROMOTION OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION AND DA’WAH
ROOBITOH shall promote authentic Islamic education through Qur’ānic schools, Arabic institutions, Islamic learning centres, Da’wah programmes, publications, and other educational initiatives based upon the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
8. PEACE, JUSTICE, AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The League reaffirmed Islam’s commitment to peace, justice, good governance, lawful engagement, and harmonious coexistence while safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Muslims.
9. MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXPANSION
The League approved the commencement of a comprehensive membership registration exercise and the establishment of a database of Imams, Alfas, Muslim scholars, and Islamic institutions throughout Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States. All qualified Imams, Alfas, scholars, and Islamic leaders are encouraged to become active members and contribute meaningfully towards achieving the objectives of ROOBITOH.
10. COLLABORATION AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
ROOBITOH shall maintain cordial relationships and strategic collaboration with established Islamic organizations and institutions, including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), MUSWEN, NACOMYO, MSSN, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and other reputable Muslim bodies. Such collaboration shall be based on righteousness, consultation, mutual respect, and the collective advancement of Islam and the Muslim Ummah.
11. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION
The League shall mentor young Imams, Du’āt, students of knowledge, and emerging Muslim leaders through structured educational and leadership development programmes to ensure continuity in authentic Islamic scholarship and responsible leadership.
12. REPRESENTATION OF THE MUSLIM UMMAH
ROOBITOH shall serve as a credible platform through which the collective concerns, aspirations, and interests of Imams, Alfas, scholars, and the Muslim Ummah in Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States shall be articulated through lawful engagement, consultation, advocacy, and constructive dialogue.
13. ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE
The League approved the holding of an Annual General Conference to review its activities, evaluate progress, strengthen unity among members, and formulate strategies for the continued advancement of Islam and the Muslim Ummah.
14. VOTE OF APPRECIATION
The League expresses profound appreciation to all scholars, Chief Imams, traditional rulers, government officials, security agencies, Muslim organizations, donors, volunteers, invited guests, and participants whose presence and contributions ensured the success of the inaugural programme.
15. DECLARATION OF ESTABLISHMENT
The participants hereby formally declare ROOBITOH (رابطة) duly inaugurated and operational from Saturday, 12TH MUHARRAM 1448AH | 27th June, 2026CE. The League shall henceforth serve as a platform for unity, authentic Islamic scholarship, consultation, advocacy, and the promotion of the spiritual and worldly welfare of the Muslim Ummah throughout Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States.
16. PRAYER
The participants prayed that Almighty Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) bless ROOBITOH, unite the Muslim Ummah upon Tawḥīd and the Sunnah, grant wisdom, sincerity, and steadfastness to its leaders and members, accept this noble effort as an act of worship, and make the League a lasting source of guidance, unity, scholarship, peace, and development for Yorubaland, Edo, Delta States, Nigeria, and the entire Muslim Ummah.
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103).
ISSUED THIS SATURDAY 12TH MUHARRAM,1448AH | 27TH OF JUNE, 2026, AT YINBOL COLLEGE, OROGUN, IBADAN, OYO STATE.
SIGNED:
ASH-SHAYKH ENGR. ABDULHAKEEM DEMOLA RAJI, R. COREN, MNSE, MNIEEE
Grand Chief Imam of Sepeteri Land
Chairman, Planning Committee
League of Imams and Alfas Yorubaland Edo And Delta
