The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called on Muslim clerics across the South-West and neighbouring states to actively engage in partisan politics, stressing that political participation remains essential for advancing the interests of the Muslim community and influencing governance.
The monarch made the call on Saturday during the inauguration of the registered League of Imams and Alfas of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli, the event attracted more than 1,000 Islamic clerics drawn from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Edo and Delta states.
Oba Akanbi described the inauguration of the league as a significant step in strengthening Islamic leadership and promoting a more inclusive structure among Muslim clerics across the region.
He dismissed concerns that the establishment of the body could create division within the Muslim community, insisting that its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) was aimed at giving the organisation legal recognition and strengthening grassroots participation.
Describing the development as “a new dawn” for Muslim leadership, the traditional ruler encouraged members of the league to remain united and committed to its objectives.
“There may be challenges at the formation stage, but I strongly believe this registered league will grow and become stronger. This is the only League of Imams and Alfas recognised by law and duly registered with the government. It is here to stay,” he said.
The monarch noted that formal registration of the body should be viewed as institutional progress rather than an attempt to weaken existing Islamic leadership structures.
He commended those behind the initiative, stating that legal recognition would create more opportunities for engagement and development within the Muslim community.
Oba Akanbi also challenged Islamic clerics to become more politically active, arguing that political influence would strengthen their ability to contribute meaningfully to public decision-making.
“If you are politically relevant, politicians will seek your input rather than the other way around. We need Muslims to occupy positions of influence through elections and appointments. Join political parties and participate actively because power does not come by chance,” he said.
He added that decentralising leadership within the league would create wider recognition for local Imams and Alfas and encourage inclusiveness across Yorubaland, Edo and Delta.
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