The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called on Islamic leaders to actively participate in partisan activities, saying Muslim clerics politics is necessary to strengthen the influence of the Muslim community.
The monarch made the appeal during the inauguration of the League of Imams and Alfas of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli, the event attracted more than 1,000 Islamic clerics from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Edo and Delta states.
The monarch said Muslim clerics politics would enable religious leaders to contribute to governance and influence decisions affecting their communities.
He also described the newly inaugurated league as an important development for Islamic leadership in the South-West and neighbouring states.
Muslim clerics politics can increase influence
Oba Akanbi said Muslim clerics politics would help religious leaders gain relevance within the political system.
According to him, political participation would ensure that clerics become active stakeholders rather than observers.
He urged Islamic leaders to join political parties and seek elective or appointive positions.
The monarch stated that influence and authority often come through participation in governance.
He said politicians would be more willing to engage religious leaders who possess political influence.
The traditional ruler argued that Muslim clerics politics would provide opportunities for clerics to contribute directly to policymaking.
He maintained that political power would not be handed to anyone without active participation.
Oluwo backs new Islamic league
The monarch described the inauguration of the League of Imams and Alfas as a major milestone.
He said the organisation represents institutional growth and greater recognition for Islamic leaders.
According to him, the registration of the body gives it legal standing and official recognition.
The monarch noted that the league had been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
He said the development demonstrates progress within Islamic leadership structures.
The Oluwo added that Muslim clerics politics and institutional development could work together to strengthen the Muslim community.
He encouraged members to remain committed to the objectives of the organisation.
League rejects division allegations
Leaders of the new organisation dismissed claims that its establishment would divide the Muslim community.
According to the organisers, the league was created to strengthen Islamic propagation and improve participation among clerics.
They explained that the registration process was intended to provide legitimacy and improve organisational structures.
The body also stated that decentralised leadership would encourage wider participation among local Imams and Alfas.
Supporters argued that Muslim clerics politics should complement religious leadership rather than create divisions.
They maintained that the organisation would promote unity among Islamic scholars and leaders across the region.
The league also pledged to encourage grassroots participation and inclusiveness.
Oluwo seeks greater political participation
Oba Akanbi appealed to clerics to become actively involved in political activities.
He said Muslims require greater representation in public offices and decision-making positions.
According to him, religious leaders should not wait for political opportunities to come to them.
The monarch advised clerics to engage political parties and participate in democratic processes.
He said Muslim clerics politics would help ensure that the interests of Muslim communities receive proper attention.
The traditional ruler argued that elected and appointed positions would provide opportunities to influence government policies.
He also stressed the importance of long-term political engagement.
League aims to strengthen leadership
The newly inaugurated organisation said its goal is to strengthen Islamic leadership across Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states.
Officials stated that the body would support the propagation of Islam and improve cooperation among clerics.
The organisation also seeks to create a more inclusive leadership structure for Imams and Alfas.
Supporters believe Muslim clerics politics can complement these objectives by increasing representation in public affairs.
The league said decentralised leadership would give greater recognition to local clerics and religious leaders.
Members were urged to remain united despite possible challenges during the early stages of the organisation.
As discussions continue, the Oluwo maintained that Muslim clerics politics remains essential for improving political influence and ensuring that Islamic leaders contribute to governance and public policy.
