Ekiti appeals to Muslim leaders over demolished mosque

The Ekiti State Government has met with Muslim leaders, under the aegis of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, to calm frayed nerves over the demolition of a mosque at Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area.

The Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, said information at her disposal revealed that another plot of land had been allotted to the Muslim community by Alara-in-Council, led by the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Olu Adeyemi, for the mosque demolished.

A statement by the deputy governor’s Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, stated that Afuye, at the meeting, affirmed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration stood for religious harmony.

The mosque in contention was allegedly demolished for the construction of an ultra-modern market, as part of the constituency projects of the Senate Leader and senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, in the community.

Afuye, who said the modern market was conceptualised by Bamidele, to advance the development of Aramoko Ekiti, where Muslims, as an integral part, would benefit immensely, added that allotment of a plot of land for the rebuilding process was a signal that the community held Muslims in high esteem.

She said, “Whatever might be your grievances, I want you to calm down. We will convene a meeting soon to speak with all the stakeholders.

“I am even happy that the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti is a Muslim leader. He can’t be in a place where you will be cheated. This government can’t treat Muslims with contempt.

You have always been supporting us, and the Senate Leader, too is a man of the people. He doesn’t want a religious crisis. He has demonstrated this with the ways he has been interacting with people across religious lines.”

The deputy governor assured the Muslim leaders that the government would ensure they got justice.

“I am assuring you that we will get to the root of this matter and with your claims that the mosque was actually demolished and you had been offered another land to rebuild it, we will ensure you get justice,” she said.

The SCIA President, Dr Hameed Bakare, who commended the government for its swift action and mediation, sought an expeditious and amicable resolution of the matter.

Bakare said, “Muslims in Ekiti State are not hooligans and extremists. We are for peace always.

“We want this matter resolved timely, and we believe in the leadership of Governor Oyebanji that he won’t allow this matter to fester.

“I plead with our people to be patient and allow the government to intervene and resolve it amicably.

We have nothing to gain in a crisis. Even if we are cheated, the government can still make a position that will pacify us.”

The Chief Imam of Aramoko Ekiti, Alhaji Abdul-Raheem Bamigbola, said two mosques had allegedly been demolished in Aramoko Ekiti within a spate of six months, to give way for development without commensurate efforts to rebuild them.

The Imam, who said that Muslims appreciated Bamidele’s efforts to develop the community, stressed that he must stick to his promise to build another mosque.

He said, “What we want is for the mosque to be rebuilt for us and at a location that will be acceptable to us.

“We know the government can facilitate this for us to keep the tempo of religious peace we are enjoying in our dear state.”