The Ekiti government has engaged in peace talks with Muslim leaders under the aegis of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) in a bid to ease tensions following the demolition of a mosque in Aramoko LGA in the state.
Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, who met with the religious leaders, assured them that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji remains committed to religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The mosque in question was allegedly demolished to pave the way for an ultra-modern market, a constituency project of Senate Leader and Ekiti Central Senator, Opeyemi Bamidele.
Speaking during the meeting, Afuye stated that the Alara-in-Council, led by the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Olu Adeyemi, had already allocated another plot of land for the rebuilding of the mosque.
She urged the Muslim community to remain calm and assured them of the government’s commitment to justice.
“I am even happy that the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti is a Muslim leader. He can’t be in a place where you will be cheated,” Afuye said.
“We will convene a stakeholders’ meeting soon to ensure a peaceful resolution.”
The Deputy Governor added that the Senate Leader’s project was intended to develop the town in a way that benefits all residents, including Muslims, and that the provision of a new plot for the mosque shows the community’s respect for Islamic worshippers.
In response, SCIA President, Dr. Hameed Bakare, commended the government’s swift intervention and expressed hope for a timely and amicable resolution.
“We want this matter resolved quickly. We believe Governor Oyebanji will not allow it to fester,” he said.
Chief Imam of Aramoko Ekiti, Alhaji Abdul-Raheem Bamigbola, raised concern that two mosques had been demolished in the community within six months for development projects, with little effort made to rebuild them.
He stated that while the Muslim community supports development, their place of worship must be restored at a suitable location.
“We appreciate Senator Bamidele’s developmental strides, but he must fulfill his promise to build another mosque for us,” the Imam said.
