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How Chief Imam’s selection divides community in Osun

Published

3 years ago

December 10, 2023

How Chief Imam’s selection divides community in Osun

The unrest within the Muslim community in Inisa, Osun State, which started in the year 2020 caused by the struggle to fill the vacant position of the Chief Imam for the town’s central mosque recently became public knowledge when a video about it was posted on social media.

Until the video recorded inside the mosque was shared on the Facebook page of Sheik Hamad Labeeb, an Islamic cleric from Ilorin, Kwara State, most people outside the community did not appreciate the enormity of the crisis ravaging the town over the vacant stool of the chief imam.

In the viral video, Labeeb and members of his team were seen lamenting the shutdown of the mosque because two groups were fighting to occupy the stool of the chief imam and demanded immediate reopening of the building for prayers.

Checks indicate that in the crisis which is already subject to litigation before an Osun State High Court in Osogbo are two groups backing individuals put forward to fill the post of chief imam following the death of the last three occupants of the position in the space of four months.

One of the groups believes that beyond succession arrangement, to occupy the position of chief imam, sound knowledge of Islam should be the main qualification. As a result, clerics in the group queued behind an Osogbo-based scholar and indigene of Inisa, Alhaji Ibrahim Oladejo.

This group was pushing for restructuring of the old order as part of measures to put Islam in the town in line with global best practices as embraced in other parts of the world.

But the second group was opposed to that idea. Those in the group were of the view that a cleric based in the town, Sheikh Muhammadu Jamiu Abdulhakeem, said to be next in line to the last occupier of the position, should be made imam in strict adherence to convention.

Imams, peacemaker’s death

The death of Imam Surakat Asiyanbi sometime in August 2022 after years of being indisposed laid the foundation for the crisis. Asiyanbi, an octogenarian, was said to have stopped attending Jumaat service for years on account of ill health.

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Upon his demise, his deputy, Sheikh Mohammadu Qozeem Adediji, who acted for over a decade when Asiyanbi was indisposed, was elevated to the position of chief imam. Sources close to the circle of League of Imams and Alfas in the town said both Asiyanbi and Adediji were around the same age.

Suspicion, however, crept in following alleged haste in the appointment of Adediji. He was said to have been elevated to the post of imam a day after the burial of his predecessor and to the chagrin of a section in the league.

Fifteen days after the death of his predecessor, it was gathered that Adediji also died after failing to recover from an undisclosed sickness.

Before he died, he was said to have led Jumaat prayer just once as an imam in the mosque.

But before the only Jumaat prayer led by Adediji, some yet-to-be-identified people allegedly wrote on the wall of the mosque an inscription in Yoruba language translated as, ‘Pray in this mosque and die’.

The death of Adediji thus brought into the open the growing discontent in the rank of members of the League of Imams and Alfas in the town and heightened the suspicion among members of the group, with some blaming the death on spiritual attacks.

After Adediji’s interment, the next person to him, Sheikh Mustapha Baruwa, who was also said to be indisposed, did not even lead any Jumaat prayer. In his absence, the then-number four in rank, Sheikh Abdulhakeem, led prayers.

But while Baruwa was indisposed, it was gathered that the league resolved and chose Oladejo, a scholar from the town, who is resident in Osogbo, as the deputy imam.

The crisis over the stool festered when after the death of Baruwa, the chosen deputy who had yet to officially assume the position, was prevented by some clerics from becoming the imam. Those opposed to his choice argued that Abdulhakeem, who is next in the succession line and had acted as imam, should be elevated to the position instead of bringing a new person.

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A cleric based in town, simply identified as Alfa Saeed, who claimed not to be supporting either of the groups in the crisis, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, while tracing the genesis of the crisis, said, “In August 2020, the Chief Imam of Inisa, Sheik Surakat Asiyanbi, died. He died on a Thursday and we buried him on Friday.

“On Saturday, some people called a meeting in the central mosque. Some of those invited initially thought the meeting was about arrangements for the final outing for Asiyanbi. But at the meeting, the convener said another chief imam had emerged. They picked the person who would succeed the late imam and he was the deputy imam.

“Some people asked them how they went about the decision in such haste and without carrying others who should know about such an important issue along.

“Meanwhile, the person they picked as the next imam, Sheikh Mohammadu Qozeem Adediji, had already been performing as the acting imam because his predecessor was indisposed for about 11 years and couldn’t lead the congregation in Jumaat prayers.

“After the initial disagreement had been resolved, those behind the decision to quickly fill the vacant post turbaned Adediji as imam without inviting some clerics to partake in the ceremony. It was done quietly. Many people didn’t know about it until the eight-day Fidau prayer for the late Imam Asiyanbi.

“At that point, factions started emerging from the League of Imams and Alfas in the town. To add fuel to the brewing crisis, Adediji died 15 days after his predecessor’s demise. He became ill and failed to recover. Both Imam Asiyanbi and Adediji were in their 80s when they died.

“Adediji led Jumaat service just once before he died. People read different meanings to his death because some unknown people went inside the Inisa Central Mosque and wrote in Yoruba, ‘Kirun ko ku’, which means, ‘Pray in this mosque and die’.“

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Saeed added, “Before the only Jumaat service he led as imam, security had to be provided because of the fear that those who wrote the threat message inside the mosque had created. After the death of Adediji, the next person in line, Sheikh Mustapha Baruwa, also in his 80s, was to fill the position. But he also died without leading a single Jumaat prayer.

“Before the death of Baruwa, those clerics had already picked Alhaji Ibrahim Oladejo, an indigene of the town who is a scholar and resides in Osogbo, as deputy imam. In Baruwa’s absence, the next in the succession line, Abdulhakeem, led the congregation in Jumaat since the man picked as the deputy imam, Oladejo, had not officially assumed the position,

“After the death of the third chief imam (Baruwa), some people expected Oladejo to be elevated to the office of and lead the congregation but some people in the town, including the Olunisa of Inisa, Oba Joseph Fasikun, felt that Abdulhakeem should continue leading the mosque as the imam notwithstanding the appointment of Oladejo.

“At that point, two factions had emerged. While some people supported Abdulhakeem to continue in office in line with the succession practice, others who desired to restructure the old order thought that Oladejo, with his knowledge and exposure, possessed a better pedigree to fill the office of imam.”

Peacemaker also dies

The death of another prominent indigene of the town that was blamed on the tussle over the post of chief imam was that of the Eesa of Inisa, Chief Enoch Ajiboso.

Ajiboso, sometime in December 2020, joined Olunisa, Oba Joseph Oyedele, in his palace alongside other chiefs to resolve the crisis. But while speaking, Ajiboso reportedly slumped and was rushed out.

He was eventually pronounced dead by doctors at the hospital.

Parties in court, mosque shut

Sequel to the move by backers of Abdulhakeem to stop the deputy imam from assuming the office of imam, those in support of Oladejo approached an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo to seek redress.

While the case was going on, the crisis took a violent dimension following an attack on Sheikh Abdulhakeem during a Jumaat prayer, which forced the administration of the immediate past governor of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola, to shut the mosque. Although the mosque was reopened, parties to the crisis refused to embrace the peace and stuck to their different positions.

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Since then, the crisis has defied all solutions as the mosque has been abandoned by all parties, who are waiting for the court to give judgment on the matter.

Stating his own side of the story, Oba Oyedele said he was not involved in the crisis, adding that he gave an assignment regarding the resolution of the disagreement to the leadership of the League of Imams and Alfas in the town.

The monarch, who responded to the allegations against him while receiving a team led by Imam Abdullahi Oyewale Olohun-lo-merue of the Council for Islamic Preachers in Yorubaland during the meeting held in his palace, which also had in attendance representatives of Osun League of Imams and Alfas, Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars of Nigeria, and the visiting Sheikh Hamad Labeeb, explained in a video obtained by our correspondent that an imam appointed by the congregation was presented to him and he accepted him.

He also denied shutting down the mosque, noting that it was closed due to a case instituted on the leadership tussle.

Oba Oyedele also said inquiries were made by security agents and different groups, noting that a minority group that took the matter to court should be held responsible for the closure of the mosque.

He said, “Regarding the court case, a minority group instituted the case. They are the ones using the court. When the crises started, I deliberately did not get involved. I told the League of Imams and Alfas to take over the matter. I am happy they did well.

“They investigated and did what they were supposed to do. About three to four different inquiries were carried out, but this minority group knew that when the reports of the investigations were released, it would not be in their favour and they resorted to litigation. The first matter was filed.

“The Commissioner of Police in Osogbo and the League of Imams conducted different investigations into the crisis. The League of Imams in Osun North East also did its inquiry and all reports of the investigations did not go down well with the minority group. A professor from OAU, who is the chief imam, also did his inquiry and the report was about being released when the minority group instituted the second case.

“They stopped the first case and instituted another one. What that group saw and didn’t like is that the imam that was installed and presented to me by Ratibi was accepted by many people. If I had been informed earlier, I would have advised you to allow the two groups to observe prayers in different mosques while you monitor to see who has more followers.

“The imam, whom we installed, is leading prayers till now. Everything that has to do with Islam, he is the one representing the community. He has many people worshipping in his mosque. Those opposed to him are just after the closure of the central mosque. If you know what to do to bring the two groups together and resolve the crisis, I wish you success. I didn’t shut the mosque.”

Speaking on the interventions by the various groups to return peace to the Muslim community in Inisa, the Publicity Secretary of Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars of Nigeria, AbdulGanniy Ezrea, harped on the need for the parties to embrace peace.

Ezrea, who said Jummat prayers would be held at the central mosque henceforth, called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to end the imbroglio.

How Chief Imam’s selection divides community in Osun

(PUNCH)

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Scores of Terrorists Killed, 60 Arrested in Nationwide Military Operations

Published

4 hours ago

August 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Scores of Terrorists Killed, 60 Arrested in Nationwide Military Operations

In a major coordinated offensive against terrorist networks, troops of the Nigerian Army have bombed scores of terrorists, arrested a high-profile operative linked to notorious terrorist leader Dogo Gide, and detained 60 suspected collaborators in separate intelligence-led operations across the country. The operations, recorded between August 12 and 13, 2026, also led to the recovery of weapons, military uniforms, and other items, according to military authorities. The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, launched Operation Clean Sweep IV, a coordinated ground and air offensive aimed at intensifying pressure on terrorists and armed criminal elements across the region. The Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operation brings coordinated ground and air actions to bear on identified threats across the North Western States, with the objective of degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their movements and logistics, and denying them the opportunity to establish footholds within Nigerian communities.

In Kaduna State, troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion arrested a suspected ISWAP operative at Kadage Check Point while he was allegedly conveying seven pairs of sewn foreign camouflage uniforms to a terrorist camp. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect was a close confidant of Dogo Gide and had been supplying logistics to him, indicating the deep-rooted network of support that enables terrorist operations in the region. Troops recovered 23 yards of foreign camouflage material, two mobile phones, three ATM cards, and an identity card from the suspect, providing valuable intelligence for ongoing operations. The arrest of this high-value target is expected to disrupt supply chains to terrorist camps and weaken the operational capabilities of Dogo Gide’s network.

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In Adamawa State, troops of 226 Battalion, supported by hunters, raided a motor park in Gombi following intelligence on suspected terrorist collaborators allegedly disguising themselves as menial workers and hawkers. The operation led to the arrest of 60 suspects, who are currently being held for further investigation. This follows similar operations in the region, including the recent arrest of a 43-year-old suspected collaborator in Mubi South, Adamawa State, demonstrating the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle support networks for terrorist groups. The arrests send a strong message that those who provide support to terrorists, whether through logistics, shelter, or information, will face the full weight of the law.

In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 conducted a clearance operation on August 12 around suspected terrorist enclaves in Dutsinma Local Government Area. The operation mounted significant pressure on the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their positions and withdraw into surrounding bushes, while clearance operations are ongoing in the general area. In Zamfara State, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted precision strikes on terrorists who had converged on motorcycles in Anka Local Government Area. The strikes reportedly neutralised scores of terrorists and forced survivors to abandon their motorcycles and flee into surrounding bushes, with air assets subsequently locating and engaging the fleeing terrorists. Troops of 1 Brigade also recovered an RPG bomb during a patrol around Tunga-Jambako in Maradun Local Government Area following an earlier terrorist ambush, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by terrorist elements in the region.

In Benue State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested five suspected terrorists during operations in Chito, Jootar, and Ikyior in Ukum Local Government Area. The troops destroyed the suspected enclaves and recovered two motorcycles and two locally fabricated guns, dealing a significant blow to terrorist operations in the state. The military also intercepted five women and seven children suspected to be family members of terrorists in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, with the group reportedly escaping from a terrorist enclave in Gazuwa Camp. Similarly, six male children were intercepted at Ajiri after reportedly escaping from Murofari Village following clashes between rival terrorist groups, indicating the internal conflicts and fragmentation within terrorist networks. In a related operation, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD foiled an advance by terrorists from Zamfara into Niger State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and 398 rounds of ammunition after following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists riding about 200 motorcycles towards Inana Village in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger.

Danja said a major component of Operation Clean Sweep IV was the effort to contain and dismantle the Lakurawa terrorist network across the theatre. The Lakurawa group has deeper Sahelian roots in the Mali–Niger border region and emerged in northwestern Nigeria between 2016 and 2018 as a community self-defence force before transforming into a violent extremist group that imposes its own interpretation of Islamic law on communities it controls. “The operation is designed to prevent the infiltration and reinforcement of Lakurawa elements into Nigeria while denying the group the opportunity to exploit border areas as corridors for movement, logistics and the establishment of enclaves,” he said. The operation further seeks to block the activities of terrorist elements operating around the River Niger axis and the Kainji Lake National Park, thereby preventing them from using the area as a platform for projecting violence into adjoining communities and other parts of the North West. “The launch of Operation Clean Sweep IV underscores the proactive and sustained posture of Operation Fansan Yamma in confronting evolving terrorist threats across the region. The Theatre remains resolute in protecting civilian communities, securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity and denying terrorist elements the opportunity to regroup, reinforce or establish operational footholds,” Danja said.

Scores of Terrorists Killed, 60 Arrested in Nationwide Military Operations

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Navy Rescues 22 Sea Robbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Boat in Akwa Ibom

Published

5 hours ago

August 14, 2026

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Navy Rescues 22 Sea Robbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Boat in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 22 passengers following the hijacking of a wooden passenger boat by suspected sea robbers along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway in Akwa Ibom State. The operation, conducted on August 11, 2026, was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Sector 4 and the Marine Police. This coordinated effort demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s waterways and the people who depend on them for transportation and livelihood.

The operation followed an attack on a passenger boat travelling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka. According to the Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, the passenger boat came under attack shortly after passing the Enwang community when five armed men in a speedboat intercepted the vessel and took control of the boat and its passengers. The attackers, armed with dangerous weapons, threatened the passengers and forcibly took over the vessel, leaving the victims terrified and helpless in the middle of the waterway.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed in a statement that the passengers were abducted while the vessel was hijacked. Following receipt of the distress information, personnel of FOB Ibaka and collaborating security agencies launched a coordinated operation to locate the victims and recover the hijacked boat. The swift response by the security forces was critical in ensuring that the criminals were unable to escape with their captives and that the vessel was recovered without any loss of life.

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The security operation forced the suspected kidnappers to abandon their captives and the hijacked boat at Asak-Ikang Creek on Wednesday before fleeing towards Oron. Naval personnel, working with collaborating security agencies, immediately conducted a sweep of the creek and rescued 11 passengers who had been abandoned by the attackers. Another 11 passengers who had escaped during the initial attack were subsequently located and debriefed at the OPDS Sector 4 command post, bringing the total number of rescued and accounted-for victims to 22. The successful rescue operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and the importance of timely intelligence in combating maritime crime.

The rescued passengers were taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay for medical assessment and first aid before arrangements were made for their safe return to Calabar alongside the recovered boat. The Navy confirmed that no ransom was paid for their release, underscoring the professionalism and commitment of the security forces to protecting citizens without capitulating to the demands of criminals. The passengers, though traumatized by their ordeal, were reported to be in stable condition and grateful for the timely intervention of the Navy and other security agencies.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime security, enhancing inter-agency cooperation and leveraging timely intelligence to deny criminals freedom of action along the nation’s waterways. Okehie said the successful operation underscored the Navy’s determination to protect lives, safeguard legitimate maritime activities and maintain a secure maritime environment. He emphasized that the Navy would continue to adopt proactive measures to prevent such incidents and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

He added that the Nigerian Navy would continue to work with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to combat sea robbery, kidnapping and other forms of maritime criminality across the country’s waterways. This successful operation follows recent naval efforts in the region, including the destruction of a suspected militant camp in Cross River State and the rescue of three passengers in a separate operation in Akwa Ibom earlier in August 2026. The Navy’s sustained presence and proactive operations in the region have contributed to a significant reduction in maritime crime and increased confidence among waterway users.

Navy Rescues 22 Sea Robbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Boat in Akwa Ibom

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[ICYMI] How Nigerian Medical Doctor Was Promoted to Captain in US Army

Published

5 hours ago

August 14, 2026

Trends Admin

[ICYMI] How Nigerian Medical Doctor Was Promoted to Captain in US Army

Every year, Nigerians across the globe continue to distinguish themselves in various fields of human endeavour, and the United States military is no exception. The latest Nigerian to achieve this rare feat is Chi Uzoma, a Nigerian-born medical doctor who has been promoted to the rank of Captain in the United States Army, marking a significant career milestone for the Nigerian professional serving abroad. Uzoma shared the exciting news on social media on Sunday, August 9, 2026, expressing deep gratitude for the journey that brought her to this moment. In her post on X, she wrote, “Today, I proudly wear the rank of CAPTAIN. The journey has been nothing short of a blessing, and I’m deeply grateful to God for every opportunity that has brought me to this moment.” The announcement was accompanied by a photograph of her in military uniform, bearing the name “UZOMA,” and the post quickly garnered widespread attention and congratulatory messages from Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

This promotion to Captain comes just a few months after Uzoma was elevated to the rank of Sergeant in March 2026, demonstrating a swift and consistent progression within the U.S. military. Her rapid advancement through the ranks highlights a period of remarkable professional growth and dedication to service. At the time of her sergeant promotion, she wrote, “Got promoted to Sergeant today. Grateful to God for the journey, the lessons, and challenges that led to this moment. Proud to wear these stripes.” This quick rise from Sergeant to Captain within a few months is unusual and speaks volumes about her competence, discipline, and the high regard in which she is held by her superiors. Her journey is particularly inspiring because she combines her military service with a career as a medical doctor, two demanding professions requiring immense discipline, expertise, and dedication to excel in simultaneously. Her achievement has drawn widespread commendation from Nigerians, especially within the Igbo community, with many celebrating her as an example of professional excellence on the international stage and a role model for young Nigerian women aspiring to careers in medicine or the military.

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Uzoma’s accomplishment adds to a growing and impressive list of Nigerians excelling in the United States Armed Forces. In January 2026, Amanda Azubuike made history as the first Nigerian woman to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. Born in London to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, Azubuike began her military journey at age 17 in the Air Force Junior ROTC program and has served for over three decades in senior leadership roles, including at the Pentagon. Her historic promotion was celebrated across Nigeria and the diaspora as a testament to the resilience and excellence of Nigerian professionals on the global stage. In another remarkable achievement, June 2026 saw Colonel T.G. Ajato, a Nigerian Army officer, make history at the United States Army War College by becoming the first International Fellow to win the prestigious Frank Kelly Writing Award for outstanding research. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies and developed model answers approved by the college for future examinations, further cementing Nigeria’s reputation as a nation that produces world-class military and academic talent.

In another noteworthy development from earlier this year, Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu announced his enlistment into the United States Army, completing his Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Momodu, who had a successful acting career with credits including Coming to Nigeria and appearances in Tinsel and The Johnsons, dedicated his enlistment to his late father, a former officer in the Nigeria Police Force. He shared his emotional journey on Instagram, writing, “On April 12, 2026, I honoured my late father in a historic way. Twenty years after his passing, I picked up the baton where he left off in the Nigeria Police Force and carried it forward by getting enlisted into the United States Army.” The actor reflected on the intense demands of military training, describing it as a journey “forged through tears, fear of failure, resilience, endless days, short nights, fatigue, rain, and the scorching sun.” He passed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) examination on his first attempt and now serves as Specialist (SPC) J.A. Momodu with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment. His transition from the entertainment industry to military service has inspired many young Nigerians to consider careers in the armed forces, showing that it is never too late to pursue a dream.

These achievements collectively tell a powerful story of Nigerian excellence, determination, and service on the global stage. From Captain Chi Uzoma combining medicine with military service, to Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike breaking glass ceilings, to Colonel T.G. Ajato excelling in academic military research, and Specialist Joseph Momodu honoring his father’s legacy, these Nigerians are not just making personal successes—they are uplifting the image of Nigeria and inspiring the next generation. Their journeys demonstrate that with hard work, resilience, and faith, Nigerians can succeed anywhere in the world. As more Nigerians continue to distinguish themselves in various fields globally, their stories serve as powerful reminders that national pride transcends geographical boundaries. Congratulations to Captain Chi Uzoma and all Nigerians making the nation proud through their service and excellence on the global stage.