The Alara-in-Council, the apex traditional authority in Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area, has debunked claims by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging the demolition of mosques to pave way for the construction of the New Oja Oba Market.
The market, situated in the Sabo area of the town, is a constituency project of the Senate Leader and Senator representing Ekiti Central, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Sajowa of Aramoko Ekiti and Chairman, Alara Modern Market Reconstruction Committee, Chief Kola Oyebade, the Council described MURIC’s allegation as “misleading, baseless and a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the senator.”
The Council categorically stated that there was no mosque or any known worship center on the land where the new market was constructed.
“The smear campaign is orchestrated by the leadership of the Islamic group against the person of the Senate Leader. Aramoko Ekiti is an integral part of Ekiti Central. It is unfortunate that this campaign is spearheaded by a supposed university professor, who should promote peace and not bigotry,” the statement read.
Challenging anyone with evidence of any demolished mosque on the market site to come forward, the Council emphasized that all religious, traditional, and community leaders in Aramoko were consulted before and during the market project.
“At no point was any petition or objection submitted to the committee suggesting that the location was being used as a place of worship,” the Council added.
Commending the peaceful coexistence enjoyed under the leadership of the town’s monarch, Oba Adegoke Olu Adeyemi himself a devout Muslim the Council said members of both Christian and Muslim faiths are currently trading peacefully in the new market, contrary to MURIC’s expectations of religious unrest.
The Council also cited previous attempts by MURIC to stir religious tension in Ekiti and Oyo states, noted that such acts are consistent with the group’s disruptive posture.
“Rather than fanning the embers of discord, MURIC should promote tolerance and unity, especially in a secular and developing state like Ekiti,” the statement continued.
The Alara-in-Council reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and development in Aramoko and the entire state, while expressing regret over any reputational damage the false claims may have caused Senator Bamidele and his supporters
