Osogbo muslims reject appointment of Raji as Asiwaju Musulumi
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The Advisory Body for the Osogbo Central Mosque, known as the Alasaro of Osogbo, has rejected the appointment of Alhaji Muniru Adebayo Raji as the Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogboland by the Chief Imam of Osogbo, Sheikh Musa Animasahun.
Speaking at a press conference held at Islaudeen Central Mosque in Osogbo, the head of the Alasaro of Osogbo, Alhaji Sulaimon Akala, criticized the unilateral decision, describing it as an attempt to create avoidable religious crises in an otherwise peaceful community.
Akala emphasized that, according to Islamic principles, leaders are chosen based on their knowledge, impact, character, conduct, and pedigree. He asserted that the Alasaro of Osogbo was not consulted in the appointment process, and had proper consultation been carried out, Raji would not have been selected.
“In appointing leaders in Islam, knowledge, impact, character, conduct, and pedigree are critical factors to consider,” Akala said. “That Sheikh Musa Animasahun suddenly ignored these Islamic values and norms in his desperate quest to promote a particular individual for reasons best known to him reveals much about his intent, which clearly does not reflect the respect, honor, and deference Islam accords leaders among the Ummah.
“Thus, the alleged appointment of Alhaji Muniru Adebayo Raji as the Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogboland is not only unacceptable but also deeply demeaning to the collective religious sensibilities of the Muslim Ummah,” Akala added.
He further alleged that Raji played a divisive role that led to a crisis at the Osogbo Eid Ground on June 28, 2023. Additionally, Akala accused Raji of making polarizing statements during recent political campaigns and noted that he is currently facing trial in a case pending at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.
