The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has raised concerns over lingering divisions among Islamic clerics in Ogun State, cautioning that the lack of unity is diminishing the strength and influence of the Muslim community.
He spoke on Tuesday, the 27th of January, 2026, at the inaugural Ogun State Muslim Assembly (OGMA) held in Abeokuta. The event, themed “Synergy, Leadership and Development in the Muslim Ummah of Ogun State”, brought together Muslim leaders from across the state to deliberate on unity and progress.
Represented at the gathering by Professor Abdulafeez Oladosu, a former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ibadan, Oloyede questioned the continued fragmentation among Imams despite their shared beliefs.
“Why are Imams in Ogun State not united?” Oladosu asked rhetorically, while also lamenting society’s growing attraction to practices prohibited by divine teachings.
In his remarks, the chairman of the programme appealed to Islamic leaders to foster stronger bonds, expressing hope that the assembly would serve as a turning point toward renewed growth and cohesion within the Ummah.
Officially declaring the forum open, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, emphasised the importance of inclusive leadership and collective responsibility. She noted that moral authority must be supported by organisation and participation to drive meaningful development.
“You may have a brilliant business idea, but without customers, that business will not grow. Likewise, a political party may have strong ideas, but without followers, it cannot win elections,” she said, drawing parallels between governance and religious leadership.
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She further stressed, “What we need is true synergy, leadership that speaks for the Ummah, not just to government; leadership that builds institutions, not personal influence.”
Also speaking at the event, former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who served as Father of the Day, described the gathering as both timely and necessary. He observed that internal divisions among Muslims had weakened their collective voice and affected public perception.
Amosun urged adherents to place their faith above personal or group interests, encouraging them to align their conduct with Qur’anic guidance and shared values.
The assembly was organised by the League of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State, with support from the Council of Muslim Titled Chiefs (COMTIC). Reports indicate that more than 500 participants, including clerics, scholars, traditional rulers, political figures, and community leaders, attended the event.