Islamic unity: Grand Chief Imam advocates single platform for Muslim engagement

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has called for the institutionalisation of a unified leadership framework for Muslims across Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, proposing the Office of the Aare Musulumi as the central platform for coordinated engagement with governments, corporate bodies and other stakeholders.

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has advocated the creation of a unified and coordinated leadership structure through which Muslims in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States can collectively engage governments, institutions and the wider society with one voice.

In a statement issued on Monday, the respected Islamic leader said the proposal had become necessary in view of increasing public disagreements, divergent commentaries and avoidable controversies capable of weakening the unity, credibility and influence of the Muslim Ummah at a time when greater cohesion is urgently needed.

He stressed that Islam places a premium on unity, consultation (Shūrā), mutual respect and collective responsibility, noting that while differences of opinion among scholars are recognised within the faith, public engagement on issues affecting the welfare of Muslims should reflect harmony, coordination and a common purpose.

To achieve this, the Grand Chief Imam proposed that all recognised Islamic organisations, councils, societies, leagues and advocacy groups should continue to discharge their respective religious, educational and humanitarian responsibilities while collectively recognising the Office of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta -currently occupied by Alhaji Dahood Akinola Makanjuola (Damak): as the central coordinating platform for official engagement on matters concerning the Muslim Ummah.

He explained that the proposal is intended to strengthen collective advocacy without diminishing the independence or relevance of any Islamic organisation.

According to him, the coordinating role of the Aare Musulumi would provide a common institutional platform through which Muslims can speak with one voice on issues of public interest while allowing individual organisations to retain full autonomy in carrying out their Da’wah, educational and community development activities.

The Islamic scholar further clarified that the Office of the Aare Musulumi should remain representative and administrative in nature, without encroaching on the responsibilities of Islamic scholars and jurists in matters relating to Aqeedah (creed), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Fatwa (legal opinions) and other doctrinal issues, which remain the exclusive preserve of Grand Chief Imams and other qualified Islamic authorities.

He noted that the office enjoys moral authority because it has traditionally been conferred on individuals of proven integrity, broad acceptability and unwavering commitment to Islam, free from sectarian or partisan considerations, with its legitimacy further reinforced through endorsement by the Grand Chief Imams across Yorubaland.

Drawing lessons from history, the Grand Chief Imam recalled the tenure of the late Aare Musulumi, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao, whose leadership, he said, successfully united Islamic scholars, organisations, professionals and community leaders in advancing the collective interests of Muslims across the region.

“We have witnessed before how unity of purpose elevated the strength and influence of the Muslim Ummah. There is no reason why we cannot replicate that noble example in our own time. Our differences should never become obstacles to our shared mission of promoting Islam and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Muslims,” he said.

The Grand Chief Imam also observed that leadership and spiritual scholarship are complementary but distinct responsibilities, explaining that while Islamic scholars remain custodians of religious knowledge and spiritual guidance, the Office of the Aare Musulumi should serve as the rallying point for strategic consultations, policy advocacy and institutional representation.

He appealed to Grand Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, leaders of Muslim organisations, professionals, youth groups and other stakeholders to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility in order to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and preserve the unity of the Muslim Ummah.

He concluded by praying for Allah to unite the Muslim community, bless its leadership and institutions, remove every seed of discord, and grant Muslim leaders the wisdom to always place the collective interest of Islam above personal, organisational and ideological differences.