The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has endorsed the formation of a new registered league of Imams and Alfas covering the South-West, Edo, and Delta states, describing it as an important step toward reforming Muslim clerical organisations.
Speaking at the launch of the league in Ibadan on Saturday, the monarch said the new body would help correct shortcomings associated with previously unregistered associations of Muslim clerics.
Oba Akanbi noted that the organisation is legally recognised by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), making it the only league of Imams and Alfas with formal government registration.
According to him, the new structure will decentralise authority by recognising Imams and Alfas at the local level, thereby creating a greater sense of inclusion and participation among clerics.
The monarch also urged Muslim clerics, particularly Yoruba Imams and Alfas, to become actively involved in politics.
He argued that political participation would enable Muslims to contribute more directly to governance and improve the welfare of society.
According to him:
Political involvement would allow Muslim leaders to influence public policy rather than depend on politicians.
Clerics should consider contesting elections or accepting public appointments.
Greater political engagement would strengthen the voice and influence of the Muslim community.
Oluwo acknowledged that the new organisation could face challenges during its early stages but expressed confidence that it would grow into a stronger institution through unity, consistency, and dedication.
He emphasised that the initiative should not be viewed as creating divisions among Muslims but as an improvement designed to strengthen the organisation and representation of Imams and Alfas.
The event brought together more than 1,000 Imams and Alfas from Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, and Delta states.
