By Habeeb Ibrahim
The Iperu Muslim community made history by resolving a long-standing dispute over the Chief Imam of Iperu after three decades.
The resolution was organized by the Assembly of Chief Imams of Iperu Remo, led by Imam Abdurahman Otutu, the Chief Imam of Ansarudeen Iperu Remo in collaboration with Iperu Development Association (IDA) led by Otunba Taiwo Oyebanjo.
This dispute, which originated in 1995 between Alhaji Moibi Shittu, the Asiwaju Adeen, and Alhaji Komorudeen Kuti, the Alaga Adeen of the then Iperu Muslim Action Council during Imam Fasasi Sode’s leadership, has seen both parties engage in numerous court battles without resolution. The conflict arose from issues within the Iperu Muslim Action Council.
The unification event, held at the Alaperu of Iperu Palace, was a landmark gathering that drew prominent figures from all sectors, including Chief Imams from various communities, kings within Iperu Remo, and local chiefs.
This marked the end of years of division, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Alhaji Fasasi Fowora and Alhaji Daramola Sulaimon.
On October 23, 2024, Alhaji Fasasi Fowora, Grand Chief Imam I, and Alhaji Daramola Sulaimon, Grand Chief Imam II, signed the MOU in a bid to restore peace and unity within the Iperu Muslim community. This agreement formalizes their understanding and aims to promote collaboration, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
The MOU also appoints Alhaji Yahaya Atobarode, loyal to Fowora’s faction, as the Mufti of Iperu Remo, while it appoints Alhaji Sanuni, loyal to Daramola’s faction, as the Head of Alfas (Ulamah) of Iperu Remo. Meanwhile, the post of Noibul-Imam remains vacant unless specific conditions arise, in which case the position will be filled from the Ilisa Zone of Iperu.
The MOU seeks to foster respectful dialogue between both parties, clarify roles related to religious leadership, and create a framework for resolving disagreements.
The funeral rites of any Iperu Muslim chieftain will now be conducted by the joint efforts of the two Grand Chief Imams. Furthermore, any future bestowment of Islamic titles will require the consent and approval of both religious leaders.
By agreeing to this MOU, both factions have committed to becoming an “indissoluble entity,” vowing to accommodate each other in all Islamic gatherings and events. The resolution of this dispute represents a major victory for peace and unity in the Iperu Muslim community.
Honourable Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, who represented the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun CON, delivered a goodwill message during the event. In his speech, Hamzat emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “A community that lacks unity will see no development.” He urged the followers of both factions to put aside hypocrisy and work towards the progress of the Iperu Muslim community and Iperu Remo at large.
He concluded by quoting Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe: “Alone I can talk, together we can speak. Alone I can smile, together we can laugh. Alone I can rejoice, together we can celebrate. In unity, there is strength.”
In his goodwill message, Oba Luqman Ebi of Idena shared his thoughts, saying, “I thank God for this resolution. I believe that what often causes problems are the followers. Let us forgive each other for the sake of Almighty Allah.” He praised the peaceful settlement of the dispute and called for continued harmony.
Dr. Prince Adebayo Samsudeen, the National President of ACOMORAN and Asiwaju Adeen of Ogun State, also shared his thoughts, remarking, “I thank God that this tussle has come to an end because this long-term fight has appeared in court several times but always without a solution.”
Witnesses to this historic signing included Fadheelat Sheikh Abd. Qadri Jinadu, Grand Chief Imam of Remo Kingdom, Alhaji Abdulraham Otutu, Chairman of the Assembly of Iperu Chief Imams, and Alhaji Otunba Taiwo Oyebanjo, President of the Iperu Development Association (IDA). The ceremony has been widely hailed as a positive step towards long-term unity and collaboration.
