RE: FALSE CLAIMS BY MURIC DIRECTOR ON ALLEGED MOSQUE DEMOLITION IN ARAMOKO-EKITI

RE: FALSE CLAIMS BY MURIC DIRECTOR ON ALLEGED MOSQUE DEMOLITION IN ARAMOKO-EKITI

The attention of Ekiti West Local Government management has been drawn to a misleading and inciting statement issued by the Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola, alleging that the Senate Leader, Distinguished Senator Dr. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, demolished a mosque in Aramoko-Ekiti to make way for a constituency market project.

We categorically state that this allegation is false, malicious, and a gross misrepresentation of the facts. It appears designed to inflame religious sentiment and undermine the credibility of a federal legislator whose developmental efforts across Ekiti State have always been inclusive and community-driven.

Our position is as follows:

1. LEGITIMATE LAND ALLOCATION:

The land used for the market project in question was officially allocated to the Senate Leader by the Alara-in-Council and Ekiti West Local Government to construct an ultra-modern market to serve the people of Aramoko and surrounding communities.

2. NO DEMOLITION OF A RECOGNIZED MOSQUE:

The structure claimed by the MURIC Director to be a mosque was, in fact, an unauthorized and incomplete building without any approved building plan or documentation. It was not recognized as a mosque by either the Alara-in-Council or the local government.

3. STOP-WORK ORDER ISSUED BY TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY:

Upon discovering the structure, the Alara-in-Council immediately issued a stop-work order. Photographic evidence and eyewitness accounts confirm that the traditional institution intervened well before any developmental work commenced. This demonstrates that due process was followed, and the building had no legal standing.

4. PRECEDENT IN OTHER TOWNS:

Similar constituency market projects constructed by Senator Bamidele have been completed in Iyin and Igede Ekiti without any incident, and notably, no Mosque or religious structure was demolished in the process. The Aramoko market follows the same template.

5. NO RELIGIOUS BIAS OR HOSTILITY:

The attempt to label Senator Bamidele’s developmental project as an act of religious hostility is deeply unfortunate and unfounded. The Distinguished Senate Leader has always been a promoter of peaceful coexistence and equal representation for all religious groups in his constituency and beyond.

6. MUSLIM PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY:

In clear contradiction to MURIC Director’s narrative, the Chief Imam of Aramoko-Ekiti, Alfa Raheem Bamigbola, led the opening prayer during the official commissioning of the new market. This act symbolizes not only acceptance but the active involvement of the Muslim community in the project.

7. INCLUSIVE ALLOCATION OF MARKET SHOPS:

After the commissioning ceremony, market shops were equitably allocated to both Muslim and Christian residents of Aramoko-Ekiti. The process was transparent and community-based, further debunking the allegation of any targeted religious exclusion.

We urge MURIC and its leadership to refrain from divisive rhetoric and to verify their claims before issuing inflammatory statements. Senator Bamidele remains committed to the service of all, irrespective of faith, and Ekiti West Local Government upholds peace, lawful development, and mutual respect among all religious groups.

Signed:

Hon. Moses Omojola

Chairman, Ekiti West Local Government

Aramoko-Ekiti

April 7, 2025