Osogbo Eid praying ground clash regrettable, says Muslim group

A religious group, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, has condemned the misunderstanding that occurred over the sitting arrangement at Osogbo Central Eid praying ground, which nearly marred the Eid-el Kabir prayers.

The group in a statement signed by the President of the organisation, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, described the incident as a regrettable attempt to import dirty politicking to a sacred religious arena.

A supporter of Osun State Governor, Mr. Muniru Raji and the immediate past spokesperson of the Senate, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, clashed at the praying ground, following a disagreement on the sitting arrangement.

Lamenting that an issue that could have been amicably settled by the two parties was allowed to degenerate into needless chaos, the group, noted that the incident has amplified the regrettable abyss into which political intolerance has thrown the country.

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The statement read in parts, “The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has condemned the Sallah Day incident that nearly marred the Eid-el Kabir prayers at the Osogbo Central Eid Praying Ground.

“It described the incident as a regrettable attempt to import dirty politicking to a sacred religious arena.

“The incident has amplified the regrettable abyss into which political intolerance has thrown the country, polarising even Muslims who are supposed to always uphold the mantra of the universal brotherhood of mankind, as enjoined by Almighty Allah and exemplified by His revered Messenger, Prophet Muhammed.”

It, however, commended Osogbo Muslim leaders, especially the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Badmus, for their prompt intervention that prevented further degeneration of the untoward incident.

While calling on politicians to always exercise restraint and draw a line of distinction between religious obligations and crass politicking, MUSWEN urged the feuding parties to sheath their swords and cultivate the habit of working together for the benefit of the citizens and the Muslim Ummah in particular.