Finally, CAN replies Imam Ogbomoso, Toliat Ayilara, warns against inciting religious crisis
Khalid ABRAHAM
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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogbomoso zone, has two weeks after the Chief Imam of the city, Alhaji Toliat Ayilara, accused Christians of being behind the crisis rocking the Muslim community, has issued a reply warning of dire consequences if he persists in inciting religious crisis.
This is contained in a statement read at a press conference by the body Wednesday, addressed by Rev’d Adewale Adegbola, Ogbomoso zonal CAN coordinator, accompanied by other CAN leaders.
The statement noted the press conference became imperative in order to set the record straight pertaining to the unsubstantiated accusation by the Imam.
“This press conference is called to set the record straight on the accusation made against the Ogbomoso Christian community by the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Alhaji Toliat Ayilara on Friday, March 28, 2025.”
Rev’d Adegbola observed that several remarks by Imam Ayilara over the months which he said reeked of religious intolerance and bigotry are capable of igniting religious war asserting the accusation against Christians is one of such.
Adegbola affirmed Ogbomoso is a bastion of religious harmony with a history of deep cordiality among the three main religions of Christianity, Islam and traditional religion, stressing Christians had no intention of upsetting the apple cart.
“The unsavoury remarks made over the months by the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Imam Toliat Yinusa Olushina Ayilara, which persistently smack of extremism and religious intolerance and, these, experiences have shown, could be tinderbox for religious crisis. The airwaves with a pointed accusation against the Christian Community and a Christian leader he, however, did not name as causing division among Muslims in the Ogbomoso community.
“From time immemorial, the good people of Ogbomosoland have lived together peaceably and harmoniously despite our varied religious affiliations and diversity of tenets of faith. Almost every family compound in our city is peopled with Christian, Islam and Traditional devotees who have shared life, career and culture together without one day of rancor.
“Again, we make bold to say that we respect the sanctity of religion and, as peace loving followers of Christ, we have never and we will never upset our Muslim brothers in any way.”
It was added that in order to douse the tension elicited by the accusation by Ayilara, Christians have been directed to remain calm and refrain from any form of action that could exacerbate the issue, disowning any verbal assault whether in writing, audio or video that might emanate in that direction.
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“To avoid anything that can rupture the peace of this region using religion volatility as pivot, we have instructed every member of the Ogbomoso Christian Community to avoid making any statement that looks like a verbal assault on Imam Toliat Ayilara or any member of the Ogbomoso Muslim Community. Any post, video or verbal attack reeking of religious hatred and intolerance and bigoted demagogue from any one or group of people against any leader of Islam in Ogbomosoland does not emanate from us and such people are not acting in our behalf. No doubts, our members are now stirred up and are agitated in the face of this unwarranted attack by a religious leader of Imam Toliat Ayilara’s status.”
They consequently warned Toliat Ayilara to toe the path of peace and eschew outbursts that could instigate crisis moreover when he has no valid evidence of any Christians undermining Islam or his position.
“In Conclusion, we urge Imam Toliat Ayilara to desist from any utterances that can incite religious crisis in the city. We all know the implications of such a calamity, resorting to blanket accusation against tens of thousands of Christians in Ogbomoso, who never did anything to undermine him or Islam. May the good Lord bless Ogbomosoland. Amen.”
