The Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá has called for religious tolerance and responsible leadership in Yorubaland.
The group made the call in reactions to the alterations between Afenifere and the founder of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) over the demolition of some Mosques in Ekiti State.
The statement released on Wednesday, 9th April 2025 reads:
A CALL FOR RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP IN YORÙBÁ LAND
Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá has followed with deep concern the recent statement issued by Afenifere regarding the comments of Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), on the demolition of mosques in Ekiti State.
While we acknowledge the need for peace and religious harmony, we are disappointed and alarmed by the tone and content of Afenifere’s release, which falls far short of the expected wisdom, neutrality, and fairness that ought to characterise the utterances of a body claiming to speak for all Yorùbá people.
It is utterly hypocritical and unbecoming for a socio-cultural group of Afenifere’s stature to call for security surveillance on a fellow Yoruba man in the caliber of Prof. Akintola simply for expressing a legitimate concern on behalf of his religious community. Even more troubling is the insinuation that the establishment of Shariah Arbitration Panels meant strictly for willing Muslim adherents somehow justifies the demolition of places of worship. _After all, there are problems in some Yorùbá communities that have not caught their attention for response. This makes one wonder what motivates Afenifere’s actions_.
This line of reasoning is not only divisive, it betrays a worrying lack of inclusiveness and tolerance. We must remind Afenifere and all who speak in the name of the Yorùbá people that our culture is rooted in pluralism, respect, and accommodation. The Yorùbá nation is not monolithic in faith, and any attempt to enforce a narrow religious worldview on our people undermines the very essence of our unity and diversity.
Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá hereby calls on Afenifere to retrace its steps and embrace constructive dialogue, balance, and genuine commitment to justice in its public engagements. We cannot afford to fan the embers of religious division in a land that has historically thrived on coexistence and mutual respect.
As elders and stakeholders in the Yorùbá future, our utterances must heal—not wound, unite—not divide.
Signed,
Agbaakin Tunde Adeleke
Worldwide President
Pa Tafa Olawuyi
Secretary General
High Chief Kola Oriolowo
Publicity Secretary