By Ishola Balogun

Bismillahi Rahamani Raheem. Wasalatu wasalam ala seyidina Muhammad, wa ala alihi, wa ashabihi, wasselim.

“Hold fast together to Allah’s cord, and let nothing separate you. Remember the favour Allah has bestowed upon you; How, after your enmity He united your hearts so that you are now brothers through His grace, and how He rescued you from the abyss of fire when you stood on the very brink of it.

Thus Allah makes clear to you His revelations so that you may be highly guided. Let there become of you a community that will be calling for righteousness, enjoin justice and forbid evil. They alone will attain success. And do not be like those who deviated and disputed after clear signs had come to them. An awful torment await them.” Q3: 103-105

What started like a storm in a tea cup between the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal Laminisa I and the Chief Imam of Ede, Alhaji Mosh’ood Akajuwole Hussein snowballed into a big disagreement. Not many people after the weekly Friday prayer couple of weeks back thought the slight argument between the two leaders during the Jumat service would lead to a hot altercation that almost turned the entire Edeland into chaos.

But save for some prominent people in the town, the situation would have degenerated to an uncontrollable level. How did it happen? At the last Jumat service in January, His Royal Majesty had asked the Imam to say prayers for some non-Muslims in the state.

The Imam did not only refused but showed bitterness and wondered for what reason. After the Jumat Prayer, the Oba retired to his palace. The Imam, perhaps out of respect went to the palace to further discuss the issue.

But we gathered that the Oba was embittered and disclosed that he wanted to drag the Imam out of the minbar (podium) for daring to refuse his order. Alas, he did not entertain further discussion on the issue and sent the Imam and his entourage out of his palace.

All others who accompanied the Imam to the palace also pleaded on his behalf but the Royal father did not budge.

The following Thursday precisely 2nd of February, the Imam was said to have received a letter purportedly written by the Royal father suspending him indefinitely from office as the Chief Imam of Ede Central Mosque with copies sent to the law enforcement agents and the Chief Imam of Oshogbo, Sheikh Mustapha Ajisafe who is also the President, League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West states including Edo and Delta states. There, trading of words began as the Imam vowed to dare him.

He wondered whether the Royal father had the right to suspend him since he did not appoint nor was in any way instrumental to his appointment as the Chief Imam. He declared he owed his allegiance to the Muslim ummah and not to the Traditional ruler.

The presence of about 50 mobile policemen at the mosque that following Friday jolted worshipers. At first, the matter was discussed in hush tones but later, we gathered that they were spoiling for trouble if anybody prevented them from saying their weekly prayer.

A reliable source hinted that some groups of Muslims had at that point vowed to resist the Oba and the law enforcement agents. Prominent people like the Baba Adini of Ede, Alhaji Aremu Lawal and host of others had to go round to pacify them to bring the situation under control.

Although in what looked like a relative peace in the area, the issue is still been discussed here and there showing a discernible restiveness among the followers of the two leaders.  Attempt to speak with Kabiesi proved abortive as he was said to be out of town.

But a source close to the palace said the issue had been settled and that both parties maintain cordial relationship. The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy.

Q49:10  The good thing is that both parties are Muslims and as Muslims, Islam has given us a clear way for unity and brotherhood. Let the both parties remember the Aqeedah (creed) of Islam which defines the belief of a Muslim. No matter what, a Muslim is the brother to another. The sanctity of that aqeedah should be kept in mind as we bury the hatchet and forster peace and unity amongst ourselves.