The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, on Tuesday decried the persistent disunity among Imams in Ogun State, warning that internal divisions are weakening the collective strength and impact of the Muslim Ummah.
Oloyede made the remarks at the maiden edition of the Ogun State Muslim Assembly (OGMA), themed “Synergy, Leadership and Development in the Muslim Ummah of Ogun State”, held in Abeokuta, the state’s capital.
The Registrar, who was represented by former Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Abdulafeez Oladosu, queried why religious leaders who share the same faith continue to operate in silos.
“Why are Imams in Ogun State not united?” Oladosu asked rhetorically, also questioning why society increasingly gravitates towards actions forbidden by God.
The chairman of the occasion urged Islamic clerics to embrace renewed cohesion, praying that the assembly would mark the beginning of greatness for the Ummah.
Declaring the assembly open, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, called for inclusive leadership and stronger community ownership, stressing that spiritual authority alone could not deliver development without structured organisation and collective participation.
“You may have a brilliant business idea, but without customers, that business will not grow. Likewise, a political party may have strong ideas, but without followers, it cannot win elections,” she said, extending the analogy to religious leadership.
“What we need is true synergy, leadership that speaks for the Ummah, not just to government; leadership that builds institutions, not personal influence,” she added.
Meanwhile, the former state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, who served as Father of the Day, described the assembly as timely, saying divisions within Islam had weakened collective influence and distorted public perception of the Ummah.
He urged Muslims to prioritise their faith over affiliations and to anchor their actions in Qur’anic wisdom and shared understanding.
DAILY POST reports that the gathering, organised by the League of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State, and supported by the Council of Muslim Titled Chiefs (COMTIC), drew over 500 clerics, scholars, traditional rulers, politicians, and community leaders.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
