The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogbomoso Zone, has refuted recent accusations made by the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Alhaji Toliat Yinusa Olushina Ayilara, describing his comments as inciting and capable of threatening the long-standing religious harmony in the city.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the Zonal Coordinator of CAN in Ogbomoso, Revd. Adewale Adegbola, said the Christian community was taken aback by remarks made by the Chief Imam during a sermon on Friday, March 28, 2025, in which he allegedly accused an unnamed Christian leader of sowing division among Muslims.
Revd. Adegbola described the Imam’s comments as unsavoury, extremist in tone, and a potential trigger for religious unrest. “From time immemorial, the good people of Ogbomosoland have lived together peaceably and harmoniously despite our varied religious affiliations and diversity of tenets of faith,” he stated.
He emphasized that many families in Ogbomoso are home to Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers who coexist peacefully, and warned against actions that could undermine this unity.
“To avoid anything that can rupture the peace of this region using religion volatility as pivot,” Adegbola said, “we have instructed every member of the Ogbomoso Christian Community to avoid making any statement that looks like a verbal assault on Imam Toliat Ayilara or any member of the Muslim community.”
He stressed that any social media post, video, or utterance promoting religious hatred does not represent CAN or the Christian community in Ogbomoso, even as he acknowledged that members have become agitated by the Imam’s public attacks.
In conclusion, CAN called on Imam Ayilara to refrain from statements that may incite tension. “We all know the implications of such a calamity,” Revd. Adegbola warned, urging the Imam to desist from blanket accusations against Christians who have done nothing to provoke him or the Muslim faith.
“May the good Lord bless Ogbomosoland. Amen,” the statement concluded.
