The Hisobatul Fityatul Hudah Association of Igangan Central Mosque has rejected what it described as an attempt to impose a new Chief Imam on the mosque, insisting that the selection process must be transparent, consultative and acceptable to the Muslim community.
The Association made its position known in a formal petition dated October 28, 2026, addressed to relevant government authorities, security agencies and traditional institutions in Oyo State.
In the petition, the Association expressed strong opposition to the proposed emergence of Alhaji Musliudeen Mofolorunsho Uthmon Badirudeen as the next Imam of Igangan Central Mosque, stating that its members and what it described as a substantial majority of Muslims in Igangan do not support the proposed appointment.
It maintained that the selection of an Imam should not be conducted without adequate consultation with the mosque’s stakeholders and the wider Muslim community.
According to the Association, any appointment made without broad acceptance could undermine religious harmony, legitimacy and unity within the community.
The group also highlighted its contributions to the development and maintenance of Igangan Central Mosque over the past eight years under the leadership of Alhaji Muh. Nafiu Rufai Olayide, popularly known as Azaqofy Atayese 001.
The projects listed in the petition include the repainting of the Central Mosque, construction of separate ablution facilities for male and female worshippers, and provision of separate toilet facilities for both genders.
The Association further disclosed that it is currently undertaking the construction of a hall within the mosque premises, which it expects to complete soon, In Shaa Allah.
It added that other initiatives have also been undertaken to promote the social and spiritual well-being of the Muslim community.
The Association said these contributions demonstrate its commitment to the development of the mosque and the welfare of its congregation, urging that its views and those of other worshippers be given due consideration in the selection of the next Imam.
Expressing concern over the potential consequences of proceeding with the proposed appointment without meaningful consultation, the group warned that such a move could threaten peace, unity and mutual trust in Igangan.
It therefore called on the relevant authorities and stakeholders to suspend the proposed process pending consultations with the mosque’s leadership, members and the wider Muslim community.
The Association also urged all parties to remain peaceful and avoid statements or actions capable of escalating tensions, stressing its commitment to resolving the matter through lawful and constructive means.
The petition was addressed to the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the Executive Chairman of Ibarapa North Local Government, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Matters, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo State, and other security agencies.
Other recipients include the Area Commander, Ibarapa Area Command; the Divisional Police Officers of Ayete and Igangan; the Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); the Asigangan of Igangan Land; and the Commander of Amotekun Corps, Ibarapa North.
The Association appealed for urgent and impartial intervention to ensure that justice, fairness, due process and peace prevail in the matter.
As of the time of this report, the position of the relevant authorities and the response of Alhaji Musliudeen Mofolorunsho Uthmon Badirudeen to the allegations had not been included in the petition.
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