Sunday Igboho, Muslim Leaders Reach Peace Agreement in Ibadan

By Koikimedia News

IBADAN, OYO STATE – A long-running disagreement involving Yoruba activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho and members of the Muslim community has reportedly been resolved following a high-level reconciliation meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The peace meeting brought together Sunday Igboho, Barrister US Imam, an Ilorin-based lawyer and U.S.-based Islamic figure, as well as Islamic scholars, community leaders and other stakeholders who participated in efforts to resolve the disagreement.

A major moment during the meeting came when Barrister US Imam apologised to Sunday Igboho over a previous public reference to him as an “odanran,” a Yoruba expression that can be used in reference to a criminal or offender.

US Imam reportedly explained the circumstances surrounding the earlier statement, saying that his remarks had been misunderstood. He expressed regret and appealed to Igboho for forgiveness, which Igboho accepted as both sides moved towards reconciliation.

The disagreement was linked to concerns surrounding the activities of the Ìrù-Ẹkùn Security Network, a security initiative associated with Sunday Igboho, as well as controversies involving internet personality Tani Olohun.

According to accounts surrounding the dispute, some Islamic leaders had expressed concerns about the activities of the security network and allegations that it was being used in matters involving Muslims or could interfere with the responsibilities of conventional security agencies.

During the reconciliation meeting, however, Igboho sought to clarify the purpose of the security initiative and rejected any suggestion that it was established to target Muslims or Islam.

Igboho reportedly told those present that the Ìrù-Ẹkùn Security Network is not an organisation established against Islam or Muslims.

He explained that the initiative was established with the stated objective of contributing to security across Yorubaland, particularly in addressing challenges such as kidnapping, banditry and insecurity, irrespective of the religious identity of those affected.

Koikimedia reported that Igboho also appealed to members of the public to desist from attacking other religions or communities while claiming to act in the name of the Ìrù-Ẹkùn Security Network.

He reportedly emphasised that the security initiative should not be interpreted as a religious organisation or as an instrument for promoting hostility between Muslims and people of other faiths.

The peace meeting was hosted by the Asiwaju Adinni of Yoruba Land, Alhaji Mutiu Oladejo Onimalu, who brought together various stakeholders to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.

Among those reported to have attended were Mallam Yusuf Adepoju of ACADIP, Imam AbdulHakeem Raji and Imam Ajiginni, alongside other Islamic scholars and legal personalities.

The discussions provided an opportunity for the parties to address the issues that had generated tension and to seek common ground through dialogue.

Rather than allowing the disagreement to continue, participants used the meeting to emphasise the importance of peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and respect among people of different religious backgrounds.

The reconciliation reportedly ended on a positive note, with Sunday Igboho and the Muslim representatives shaking hands and embracing one another as a demonstration of their commitment to peace.

The development was also presented as an opportunity to strengthen relationships between different religious and community groups across Yorubaland.

The participants reportedly stressed the importance of preventing disagreements from developing into broader religious or communal tensions, particularly at a time when security concerns require cooperation among communities.

The settlement marks a significant step towards dialogue between the parties involved, with the participants expressing a commitment to peace, mutual respect, religious tolerance and regional unity.

The meeting further highlighted the role of dialogue and community engagement in resolving disagreements and building stronger relationships among stakeholders across Yorubaland.

Koikimedia News — Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep