– Muslim students, coalition of Muslim organisations rally support for Prof. Lakin against blackmailers
The group, O’odua Isedale- Muslim-Christian- Council-OIMUCC, which recently accused the Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Lakin Akintola of religious extremism in Yorubaland is faceless, Muslim News’ findings have revealed.
The group had earlier this week alleged in its press release that the Muslim human rights organisation is plotting to cause havoc and instigate the people against one another in the name of religion.
The members of the group also vowed to take laws into their hands by crushing the human rights organisation leadership and other groups, including the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, who they also claimed is implementing “his foreign-sponsored mission of polarising Yorubaland along religious lines.”
The statement was purportedly signed by three people namely, Abdulazeez Akinbote, Durotola Marcus Babatunde, and Kola Mabogunje, representing Islam, Christianity and idolatry.
It reads in part, “There is a plot being fanned from abroad by violent extremists and mischievous colonial lords, to sponsor religious violence in Yorubaland, polarise Yorubaland along religious lines and push a decent, credible and harmonious homeland to the path of Lebanon.
“These elements have some terrorists within them who view everything from the prism of religion. One Ishaq Akintola is notorious for his thirst for blood and his penchant for violence, provocation and filthy and unIslamic posturing. He is sponsored by violent extremists and his desperation to see Yorubaland boil and spill over into blood is well known and consciously pursued by him.
“We resolve that henceforth, we are going to take our destiny into our hands as young Yoruba people across the world to crush these agents of the devil in Yorubaland before it is too late. Armed groups in South South and North are doing this, protecting their values and culture, their land, so what are we Yoruba youths waiting for?
Group doesn’t exist
Several checks by Muslim News showed that the group does not exist! There were no previous activities of the group, including past or recent press releases, online.
Further findings also revealed that the faceless group is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a body of the federal government responsible for the regulation and management of companies in Nigeria.
The name of the group couldn’t be found either on the incorporated trustee list or company such as business name, limited partnership, among others.
It’s a smear campaign against MURIC, MSSN Lagos reacts
In a swift reaction, the Amir of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, Mal. Kamoldeen Abiona described the press release as a concerted effort aimed at smearing the reputation of Prof. Akintola, who has consistently been a prominent advocate for Islamic rights in Nigeria.
The Muslim students’ body said, “MURIC has consistently pursued its advocacy through peaceful dialogues rather than resorting to violence. Regrettably, this attempt to tarnish the Director’s reputation coincides with a period when the rights of Muslims are facing challenges, particularly in the southwestern region of Nigeria.
“The campaign being waged against MURIC is clearly lacking in substantial support and resources, relying instead on baseless accusations, manipulation, and the spread of misinformation. It is evident that these efforts are being propagated by a nameless group of individuals who lack the courage to present valid evidence against MURIC’s stance.”
MSSN Lagos strongly encouraged the director to report the threatening statement to the appropriate authorities, including the Department of State Security (DSS) and other relevant security agencies, to ensure the safety and security of all.
“We, at the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, also call upon other religious organisations to actively stand against such unfounded campaigns and situations. This incident involving MURIC serves as a reminder that baseless attacks can target any organisation or individual, underscoring the importance of unity among different religious groups to collectively counter such challenges”, he noted.
It’s horrendous lies, grave allegations and sectarian profiling: Prof. Taofiq
Also, a coalition of Muslim organizations, respected Imams and Alfas, Muslim Action Against Aggression and Oppression (MAAAO) has reacted to the horrendous lies, grave allegations and sectarian profiling mischievously hurled against the person of a highly respected voice in Prof. Ishaq Lakin Akintola.
In a statement, signed by the Chief Imam, University of Abuja, Prof. Taofiq Adesina Azeez, the Muslim action group said the threat against Prof. Akintola; his family and his group is taken as a threat to all Muslims, all over the world, which must not be taking lightly.
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