Muslim Community Protests as Another Mosque is Demolished in Aramoko Ekiti
The Muslim community in Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, has raised concerns over what it described as systemic marginalization following the demolition of two of its mosques within a six-month period.
The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday, March 26, when a combined team of security operatives — including mobile police officers and members of the Amotekun Corps — accompanied by top local government officials, demolished a newly constructed mosque located in the Sabo area of the town.
Eyewitnesses said the council delegation, led by the Chairman of Ekiti West LGA, Hon. Moses Omojola, Vice Chairman Hon. Isaac Fatoyinbo, former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Gbenga Odebunmi, and Hon. Muyiwa Olabode, arrived the area with a bulldozer and gave the directive for the demolition. The mosque was pulled down before members of the Muslim community, including the town’s Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdulraheem Bamigbola, could intervene.
This marks the second mosque to be demolished in the same area in recent months. The earlier demolition, the community said, was in compliance with the directives of the Alara-in-Council and the leadership of the Aramoko Development Association (ADA) to vacate the space for a proposed market project facilitated by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. The community had agreed to the relocation and cooperated fully, with the mosque being taken down to pave way for development.
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In what appeared to be an understanding, community leaders including the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi, and several high chiefs had reportedly assured the Muslim community of an alternative space nearby to rebuild their mosque — a promise that encouraged the faithful to commence reconstruction without opposition for several weeks.
However, tensions flared when objections to the new mosque’s location emerged from certain elites within the town. While debates raged on community platforms and town meetings, the Muslim community said it received mixed messages from the Alara-in-Council — first a directive to demarcate the mosque from the market, followed by a contradictory order to halt construction altogether.
Eventually, after what seemed to be a resolution from the palace that the mosque could remain — a decision that led the Muslim community to suspend an appeal to higher authorities — the mosque was suddenly demolished, leaving the community shocked and devastated.
“We were made to believe the matter had been resolved amicably. We were even preparing a letter of appreciation,” said Khadijat Idowu, Publicity Secretary of the Aramoko Sisters Circle, in a statement. “But it turned out to be a ploy. No one informed us, no explanation was given, and no compensation was offered.”
The market was officially commissioned on Friday, but community members say no acknowledgement or empathy was extended to the aggrieved Muslims during the ceremony.
Despite what they described as injustice, the Muslim community emphasized their commitment to peace. “Even when the bulldozers arrived, we restrained ourselves. We didn’t want to break the law,” the statement read.
The situation has sparked growing concerns over religious harmony and inclusion in the community, with many Muslim residents feeling sidelined. “One great message: Muslims are like second-class citizens in Aramoko and so vulnerable,” the statement concluded.
As of press time, neither the Alara-in-Council nor the local government authorities have issued any official statement regarding the demolition or the allegations raised by the Muslim community.
By PRNigeria
