It was a historic gathering of Islamic faithful from all parts of Oyo State as they stormed the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan in their thousands canvassing for unity and brotherhood of Muslims in the state.
The event was at the maiden Muslim Unity Day organised by the Muslim Community of Oyo State under the leadership of Alhaji Is-haq Kunle Sanni-led executive.
As early as 8am, Muslims from all the 33 local governments trooped into the main bowl of the stadium chanting Islamic praises of “Laila Ila lahu, Muhammad Rasululah ( there is no god except Allah, Muhammad is His Messenger)”.
Apart from representatives from each of the six zones, Islamic groups and societies as well as Muslim schools were not left out in the first-of-its-kind gathering.
In attendance were representatives of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State – Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu, the Speaker, Oyo House of Assembly; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Ismail Ali; and retired Brigadier General Raji Rasaki, among others.
In his speech at the occasion, Ajimobi urged Muslims to be of good conduct and be united irrespective of the Islamic groups they belong to.
Represented by Ali, the governor said that Muslims should always behave in a manner that others would emulate.
Speaking in the same vein, Sunmonu advised Muslims to avoid undue criticisms of fellow human beings, saying that this could breed disunity in the country.
She said the House would do everything possible to protect all the citizens in the state using the legislative intervention.
The guest lecturer, Sheikh Muhammed-Jamiu Bakare, the Chief Imam of Ijeshaland, said that unnecessary criticisms was affecting the unity of the Muslims, as nobody was perfect.
Bakare urged Muslims to obey the commandments of Allah and that of His prophet by being their brother’s keeper and tolerate one another.
The Islamic cleric said that Muslims should not be judged by the physical appearance but by their actions in line with Islamic tenets which preach peace and unity.
Bakare pleaded with Islamic preachers in the country not to be harsh in their preaching, but disseminate the words of Allah with wisdom and laid down principles of Islam.
Earlier, the Chairman of MUSCOYS, Alhaji Is-haq Kunle Sanni, said that the Muslim Unity Day was the first of its kind to be held in Oyo State, which was geared towards sensitising Muslims on some basic principles of Islam.
Sanni assured Muslims in the state that the event would now be held annually as a way of addressing numerous challenges facing the Muslims in the state.
He said that the programme was also organised to bring a cross-section of the Muslim community together to address the issue of Zakah and to showcase the Islamic brotherhood.
Leaders of various Islamic groups and associations gave goodwill messages and encouraged Muslims to unite and form Islamic brotherhood.
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