Muslim leaders and organizations across the South West on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan, Oyo State, rejecting any form of military cooperation between Nigeria and the State of Israel.
The demonstration, held at the O.T.M. Islamic Centre on Iwo Road, was organized by Aqsah Nigeria’s Ibadan branch and drew participation from several Islamic groups including the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Oyo State chapter; the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN); The Muslim Congress (TMC); Al-Mumeenat Organisation; and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
Prominent Islamic scholars and leaders who joined the protest included Dr. Dawud Amoo-Alaga; Sheikh Abdulwaheed Abdul Hamid, founder of Anaajah Arabic Institute, Ibadan; Sheikh Abdul Fatah Sanni, President of the Council of Ulamah, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria; Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi, Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations in Nigeria; Sheikh Bilal Shittu, Chief Imam of Eruwaland; Alhaji Ahmad Eleyinirin of the Muslim World League; Alhaji Misbaudeen Akinola, Ameer of Ahlu Sunnah in Osun State; and Prof. Abideen Olaiya.
Carrying Nigerian and Palestinian flags, placards, and banners, protesters condemned what they described as the ongoing genocide in Gaza and called on the United Nations and international community to urgently intervene. They said it was immoral for Nigeria to pursue military ties with Israel while the humanitarian situation in Palestine continues to deteriorate.
The protest followed recent remarks from Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence indicating plans to deepen military cooperation with Israel. The Muslim leaders argued that such agreements would not only damage Nigeria’s moral standing in the Muslim world but also contradict the nation’s long-standing commitment to global peace.
According to the protesters, Nigeria should instead align itself with oppressed Palestinians and push for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, rather than “partnering with those perpetuating injustice.”
Their demands include an immediate halt to negotiations on the military pact with Israel, stronger diplomatic pressure on world powers to stop the killings in Gaza, and renewed support for the Palestinian cause.