The Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Abdulrazak Abdulazeez Ishola, has dropped a bombshell, warning that the newly formed League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland risks importing Boko Haram and Maitatsine extremism into the Southwest.
Ishola dismissed the new body as an act of “impersonation,” accusing its founders of hijacking the identity of the authentic league established in 1964. He questioned the legitimacy of the group, which claims jurisdiction over Edo and Delta states, asking: “Are Edo and Delta part of Southwest Nigeria? Do they know what they are doing? They want to start another Boko Haram and Maitasine in Southwest Nigeria. That is a rebellious character.”
The Grand Mufti clarified that the original league, headquartered in Bodija, Ibadan, has always worked collaboratively with northern Islamic bodies like the National Moonsighting Committee and Jamatu Nasril Islam. He rejected claims of division, stating: “Is the existing League of Imams and Alfas fighting the North? No. If they are saying that, it means they have a hidden agenda.”
On the contentious issue of Ramadan declaration, Sheikh Ishola defended the league’s use of astronomical calculations as the most accurate scientific method for determining the lunar calendar. He declared the widely announced start date of February 18, 2026, as correct, asserting: “The calculations made us know that nowhere in the world can claim sighting of the moon on the 17th of February. If we see anybody declare such, it is an error. It is a war waged on knowledge.”
His warning comes amidst rising tensions over Islamic leadership and authority in Yorubaland.
