- By Monsurat Aina, Reporter | Premier World News
League of Indigenous Yoruba Muslims for Religious Unity has expressed grave concern over the persistent killings and violent unrest in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria, calling on all Nigerians to embrace peace, religious freedom and national cohesion.
In a statement made available to Premier World News, the President of the League, Sheikh Morufudeen Olowu, condemned the spate of violent activitie, including kidnapping, rape and religiously motivated attacks, describing them as deeply harmful to Nigeria’s development and unity.
“Islam is a religion of peace, of personal choice and of collective harmony”, Sheikh Olowu stated.
“No individual or group should be forced into any religious or cultural practice against their will. Intimidation and violence on the basis of religious belief must be prosecuted under the law”.
The cleric stressed that Islam, as practiced by Yoruba Muslims, upholds mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and the freedom to worship without fear or coercion.
He also called for an end to the confusion often created by blending indigenous Yoruba culture with extremist ideologies.
“Let us separate the essence of Yoruba culture from new practices that have led us into disorder”, he urged.
“We, Yoruba Muslims, have always valued peace and communal living”.
Sheikh Olowu reiterated the League’s support for the application of Sharia law solely for Muslims, while common law remains the legal framework for everyone.
He emphasized that no one should be compelled to adopt a particular religion or ideology under any circumstances.
The League, under Sheikh Olowu’s leadership, is advocating for improved interfaith understanding, justice for victims of religious violence and stronger enforcement of laws protecting religious freedom and human rights.
As tensions continue in various parts of the country, the group’s call resonates as a reminder of Nigeria’s founding principles of unity in diversity and the constitutional right to freedom of worship.
