The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the demolition of two mosques in Aramoko, Ekiti State, describing the action as a deliberate attack on Islam and a violation of the fundamental rights of Muslims in the area.
According to MURIC, while no official reason was given for the demolition of the first mosque, the second mosque, located in Sabo area of Aramoko, was pulled down to pave way for a market project reportedly initiated by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as part of his constituency project.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 7, 2025, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, condemned the action in strong terms, accusing the Senate Leader and local authorities of religious intolerance and marginalization.
“The authorities of Aramoko, Ekiti State, have pulled down two mosques in the town in recent time. The principal actors include the Alara of Aramoko, Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi; Chairman of Ekiti West Local Government, Hon. Moses Omojola; his Vice, Hon. Isaac Fatoyinbo; former Deputy Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gbenga Odebunmi; and Hon. Muyiwa Olabode, Secretary of the council,” the statement read in part.
Professor Akintola said a short notice was given to Muslims to vacate the Sabo Central Mosque before it was demolished on March 26, 2025. He described the demolition as “a hate action aimed at eliminating Islam not only in Aramoko and Ekiti State but in the entire Yoruba region.”
He expressed shock that a federal lawmaker of Senator Bamidele’s status would be associated with such an act, warning that Nigerian Muslims would hold him accountable unless the mosque is rebuilt.
“Man is body, soul and spirit. To demolish our mosques without immediate replacement is to deprive our souls of spiritual shelter. It is a declaration of war against Allah, our Creator,” MURIC said.
The group urged Senator Bamidele to immediately reach out to the Muslim community in Aramoko and initiate the rebuilding of the mosque, warning that failure to do so could leave him in the “bad books of Nigerian Muslims forever.”
While calling for calm among Muslims in Ekiti State, MURIC reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace and urged adherents to remain law-abiding in the face of provocation.
