Iseyin town witnessed a rancour on Friday at the Sagbo central mosque in Iseyin, Oyo state, as some aggrieved alfas fought dirty over attempted efforts to “remove the imam”, leading to the mosque being eventually sealed off.
It took the proactive intervention of the vigilante group who stormed the mosque to prevent what could have resulted in injuries and disruption of peace and order.
News reports obtained by ODUDUWA NEWS from Daily Insider gathered that the fight broke up during the Jimoh service on Friday, February 2, when some alfas antagonised the imam (mosque leader) and levelled some allegations against him.
Efforts to resolve the differences amicably were abortive, resulting in physical attacks as the alfas and congregation descended into a showdown with one another.
Witnesses who spoke to this publication said the fracas peaked to the point of unrest that sachets of water and other dangerous items were thrown amid curses and anger.
A resident of the area, identified as Mumeen, described the fight as “embarrassing.” He added that if not for the intervention of community security, it would have been messier.
Efforts by newsmen to speak to the head of the vigilante security group that cordoned off the mosque, Ajayi, failed as he was not available to respond to our inquiries.
His second in command, who does not want his name mentioned, told this publication that the atmosphere was intense as the face-off worsened despite attempts to persuade the aggrieved parties.
“Such thuggery exhibited last week should not be seen in anyone who calls himself alfa. Things would have gotten worse if not for our presence,” he lamented.
Islamic leaders intervene
An Islamic cleric who does not want his name mentioned confided in this publication that the matter has been brought before the league of Imams and Alfas in Iseyin
He assured that the mosque would be opened before Friday, February 9, adding that the attention of Chief Imam of Iseyin, Sheikh Abdul Hakeem Olajori, has been brought to it and other senior Islamic leaders in Iseyin town.
“I was there when it happened. But I cannot say much because I am not a leader in the mosque. But I can assure you that the matter has been channelled to the appropriate people. Peace will come,” he said.
As of the time of the report, no one is permitted to observe prayers inside the mosque as all doors are under lock and key.
