On Wednesday, Muslim leaders from South-West Nigeria participated in a peaceful march through the streets of Ibadan, Oyo State. They were demonstrating against any military collaboration between Nigeria and Israel.
The Ibadan chapter of Aqsah Nigeria organized the demonstration to highlight the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protest what they termed genocide against Palestinians.
Prominent clerics who participated included Dr. Dawud Amoo-Alaga; Sheikh Abdulwaheed Abdul Hamid, founder of the Anaajah Arabic Institute in Ibadan; Sheikh Abdul Fatah Sanni, President of the Council of Ulamah and Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria; and Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafii, Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations in Nigeria.
The protest occurred soon after Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its plans to enhance security collaboration with Israel.
During a recent courtesy visit to the ministry by Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman, representatives from both governments engaged in discussions on joint military operations, technology sharing, defense upgrades, and the potential for a bilateral defense agreement.
During a discussion with journalists at the rally, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), delivered a strong critique of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
He claimed that Israel had targeted schools, churches, mosques, media offices, and refugee shelters in bombings. He added that 238 journalists and over 2,000 civilians were killed while they were trying to find food.
“As of Tuesday, 266 children have tragically died from starvation as a result of the blockade. Akintola stated that Israel has converted hospitals into danger zones, even amid ongoing ceasefire discussions. This represents a clear violation of human rights.”
Akintola also challenged Nigeria’s decision to engage in a military alliance with Israel, describing it as “an apartheid state guilty of crimes against humanity.” He called on the Federal Government to abandon the proposed security partnership, terminate economic relations, and break diplomatic ties with Israel.