Islamic clerics from Ibadan land under the aegis of League of Imams and Alfas from the 11 local government areas of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, have refuted an allegation that they visited Engr. Dotun Sanusi on Wednesday to ask him to run for 2027 governorship election and also endorsing his candidature.
Reacting to a report in an online medium quoting the clerics as saying, “We want you to run. We need a masses-friendly like you to come out. We are saying this because of the condition of the country at this point in time. Only people with love for the masses can bring smile to everyone’s face.”, the Group in a statement noted that the report was an outright falsehood and a figment of the imagination of the writers.
The Ibadan clerics, in the statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Qosim Kehinsi; vice chairman, Alhaji Imam Ologunero; and PRO, Alhaji Adam Itaagbakin on Friday, explained that their visit to the Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resorts, is only to invite Engr. Dotun Sanusi for an upcoming Islamic event.
The group emphasised that spiritual fathers and Islamic clerics are not permitted to be involved in politics and that their only responsibility is to continue praying for the current administration’s successful term in office and the development of Oyo state.
The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to an online publication alleging that Ibadan League of Imams and Alfas are asking Egr. Dotun Sanusi to run for governorship election and also endorsing his candidature.
“It is important we stop this immediately so that others will not try it in the future.
“We need to make it clear that the said report of our visit to Ilaji hotels to endorse his candidature is an outright falsehood, a malicious and irresponsible and mischievous act aimed at tarnishing the Ibadan League of Imams and Alfas.
“The sole purpose of our visit to Engineer Dotun Sanusi is to extend an invitation to him for our upcoming Maolud Nabiyy celebrations and Awards of Excellence, which will take place at the central mosque in Oja’Oba.
“While we urged the public to disregard this false report, we need to make it clear that under no circumstances we would ever allowed our names to be drawn into any political campaign.
”We are under the leadership of Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Agbotomokekere, and did not instruct us to endorse anybody.”
