The Muslim community in Aramoko, Ekiti State, is expressing outrage after two mosques were demolished within six months to make way for market projects. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday, March 26, when a combined security team led by the Chairman of Ekiti West Local Government, Hon. Moses Omojola, and his deputy, Hon. Isaac Fatoyinbo, brought in a bulldozer to flatten a newly built mosque in the Sabo area of the town.

According to reports, the demolition was linked to a constituency project allegedly approved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The incident has drawn strong criticism from residents, civil society groups, and Islamic organizations, who questioned the logic and timing of destroying a place of worship, especially one still under construction. Witnesses, including the Chief Imam of Aramoko, Sheikh Abdulraheem Bamigbola, were left stunned and helpless as the mosque was brought down.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), led by Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the act as a renewed attack on Yoruba Muslims and an assault on Islam. He called out Senate Leader Bamidele for allegedly backing the demolition, saying it reflects a dangerous trend of religious discrimination. Akintola emphasized that mosques hold deep spiritual value to Nigerian Muslims and described the demolition as both heartbreaking and provocative.

MURIC also pointed to a pattern of similar demolitions in Ekiti State over the years, citing incidents in 2005, 2006, and 2012. The organization accused the state government of consistently marginalizing the Muslim population in the region. In addition to condemning the act, MURIC is demanding that the mosque be rebuilt immediately and that those responsible for the demolition be held accountable through an independent investigation.

As tensions rise, the incident has sparked national discussions on religious freedom, political accountability, and minority rights in Nigeria. Many believe that how the Ekiti State Government and Senate Leader Bamidele respond will determine whether the situation de-escalates or further fuels division between faith communities in the region.


Source: https://muslimnews.com.ng/2025/04/10/muslims-cry-foul-as-ekiti-demolishes-two-mosques-for-markets-in-six-months/