Following the ongoing imamship tussle in Ogbomoso, the Nigeria Police has issued a stern warning to warring Islamic leaders to desist from any actions that could disturb the peace of Ogbomoso land ahead of Eid-el-fitr celebration.
At a peace parley held at the residence of Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola on Sunday in Ibadan, it was resolved that Eid should only be held at usual praying ground in Onipanu, Iresa, for security reason.
The stern warning was given by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola A. Hamzat, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DA Muhammed during a meeting with a faction led by the Parakoyi of Ogbomoso land.
The meeting also had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, Former Deputy Governor, Hashim Gbolarumi; Iyalaje Musulumi Ile Yoruba, Edo and Delta, Mama Abolde Aderibigbe Bolade travels; and several islamic scholars, including Professors DOS Naibi and KK Oloso.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, who reiterated that only the usual praying ground is recognized by the security agency, however warned warring parties to desist from establishing additional Eid prayer ground in order to prevent a breakdown in law and order.
He said: “Whoever go against the directive will be dealt with according to law.
“As police, we are mainly concerned about the security of lives and properties. We will ensure that security operatives are fully on ground on the Eid day to maintain law and order.”
The peace meeting, in conjunction with the Oyo state government quoted the Deputy Governor, Barrister Lawal as saying, ‘Government will not allow any action that will lead to break down of law and order.
He equally emphasized the need to abstain from action capable of dividing Muslims in Ogbomoso, appealing to the two groups to allow peace to reign.
Barr. Lawal, however, commended the Islamic scholars for sparing time out of their busy schedule to put a stop to the ongoing imamship tussle, assuring that all efforts would be made as soon as possible to resolve all wrangling.
Earlier, the peace committee also held a separate meeting with other group, led by the embattled chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Taliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara to ensure that peace is maintained on or before Eid-el-fitr celebration.
