By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Religious feuds are not new in Nigeria, but when they extend beyond theological debates to outright public discord, they become worrisome. The recent reconciliation between Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, popularly known as Oganla Fuji, and his mentee, Alhaji Taye Adebisi Akande, also known as Currency, during the holy month of Ramadan was a significant moment of unity for the Fuji music industry. However, while the Fuji world celebrates harmony, the Nigerian Islamic community remains deeply divided due to the ongoing feud between Sheikh Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory, the Mudeer of Markaz, and Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa, the Mufti Diyar of Ilorin.
Their dispute has become emblematic of the larger fragmentation within the Nigerian Islamic sphere, particularly concerning the sighting of the crescent moon and the declaration of Eid celebrations. This year, the controversy escalated further when two different dates were announced for Eid al-Fitr: March 30 for those who, along with Mufti Diyar, followed Saudi Arabia and the Sultan of Sokoto, and March 31 for those aligned with Sheikh Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory. This disunity not only confuses Nigerian Muslims but also fuels an unnecessary sectarian divide that could have far-reaching implications.
In the past, multiple dates for Eid celebrations in Nigeria have been observed without such an escalation of animosity. However, in today’s social media-driven era, clerics and scholars engage in public spats, casting aspersions and seeking to discredit one another in the eyes of their followers. The rise of clerics who use social media platforms for popularity, financial gain, and influence has further deepened this divide, turning religious discourse into a contest of who commands a larger audience rather than who upholds the values of Islam.
The feud between Sheikh Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory and Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa, once confined to verbal exchanges, has now spilled into the digital space, where their followers engage in relentless online battles. This scenario is not only unfortunate but also deeply troubling, as it weakens the fabric of Islamic unity in Nigeria. Instead of fostering peace and understanding, the feud fuels tribal and sectarian sentiments, contradicting the fundamental teachings of Islam.
If Nigerian Islamic scholars are truly committed to their faith rather than seeking social media validation, they must prioritize reconciliation. Just as the Fuji industry found a way to mend fences between two of its biggest stars, the Islamic clerics in Nigeria must take deliberate steps to end their discord. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Sultanate, and other respected bodies must intervene and ensure that this long-standing rift does not continue to serve as a source of division among Nigerian Muslims.
At a time when global Islamophobia and misunderstandings about the faith persist, the least Nigerian Islamic leaders can do is present a united front. The world is watching, and the disunity among Nigerian scholars only reinforces negative stereotypes about Islam being a religion of discord rather than peace. If this feud is not settled soon, it will not only affect religious harmony within Nigeria but also tarnish the global perception of Nigerian Islam.
The question remains: will the leaders of Nigeria’s Islamic community rise above personal grievances and prioritize the greater good of the ummah? Or will they allow ego and social media relevance to overshadow the very principles they preach? The time for reconciliation is now.
