The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called on Muslim clerics to become more involved in partisan politics, arguing that active political participation is necessary for Muslims to have greater influence in governance and policymaking.
The monarch made the appeal on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the inauguration of the registered League of Imams and Alfas of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta. The event, according to a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli, attracted over 1,000 Islamic clerics from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Edo and Delta states.
Akanbi praised the creation of the league, describing it as a landmark development that would strengthen Islamic leadership across the region. He noted that the body was established to promote Islam while encouraging a more inclusive leadership structure among Imams and Alfas.
The league also dismissed concerns that its establishment could divide the Muslim community, insisting that its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission was meant to provide legal recognition and improve its operations at the grassroots.
Speaking at the ceremony, the monarch described the organisation as “a new dawn” for Muslim leadership, expressing confidence that it would overcome any initial challenges and grow into a stronger institution. He added that the league is legally recognised and fully registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Akanbi maintained that the registration of the body should be seen as progress rather than a source of division, saying it would enhance the recognition of Muslim clerics under the law.
He further encouraged Islamic leaders to take an active interest in politics, stressing that political influence would give them a stronger voice in national affairs instead of relying on politicians for recognition. He urged them to join political parties, seek elective or appointive positions and work towards acquiring political power, insisting that influence would not come without active participation.
The traditional ruler also said the decentralised structure of the league would ensure greater inclusion and recognition for local Imams and Alfas across Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states.