The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed strong disapproval over the demolition of two mosques in Aramoko, a town in Ekiti State, describing the act as a direct affront to Islam and a violation of religious freedom.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the organization highlighted the demolition of two Muslim worship centers in the town. While no clear explanation was offered for the demolition of the first mosque, the second structure was reportedly cleared to pave the way for a constituency market project sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
MURIC condemned the action, branding it as a calculated move against the Muslim community in the area. The group accused Senator Bamidele of endorsing religious discrimination through his involvement in the demolition.
“The destruction of the Sabo Central Mosque in Aramoko, allegedly to accommodate a market project, is deeply troubling,” Akintola said. “This is more than just a development issue — it’s an alarming signal of rising religious intolerance and marginalization of Muslims in Yoruba land.”
The group’s statement further named key figures said to be involved in the demolition, including the Alara of Aramoko, Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi, Chairman of Ekiti West Local Government Hon. Moses Omojola, his Vice Hon. Isaac Fatoyinbo, former Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Gbenga Odebunmi, and Hon. Muyiwa Olabode, the council secretary.
According to MURIC, the Muslim community was given a short notice to vacate the Sabo Central Mosque before it was demolished on March 26, 2025. “Various means were employed to ensure the demolition went ahead, regardless of the sentiments of the worshippers who had gathered there for decades,” the statement noted.
The organization stressed the centrality of mosques in the lives of Muslims and declared the demolitions a grave violation of both spiritual and constitutional rights. “These mosques are not just buildings; they represent the spiritual heartbeat of the Muslim faithful. Taking them down without providing alternatives is a moral and legal injustice,” Akintola added.
Citing Section 38 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, MURIC argued that the demolitions infringe upon the fundamental human rights of Aramoko’s Muslim population. The group questioned the Senate Leader’s moral standing and commitment to protecting all segments of his constituency.
READ MORE: Baba Adinni Alleges Stakeholders’ Involvement in Lagos Central Mosque Crisis
“It’s disheartening that a federal legislator of Senator Bamidele’s stature would be linked to such an insensitive act. His political responsibilities should include safeguarding the religious freedoms of all constituents, not enabling their suppression,” the statement read.
MURIC called on Senator Bamidele to make amends by engaging directly with the Muslim community in Aramoko and initiating efforts to reconstruct the demolished mosque. “The path to redemption lies in action. We urge the Senate Leader to rebuild the mosque and restore the community’s trust — failure to do so may affect his standing among Nigerian Muslims,” the organization warned.
Despite the outrage, MURIC appealed for calm, encouraging Muslims in Ekiti and across Nigeria to maintain peace while lawful steps are taken to address the issue. “Islam is a religion of peace, and we urge our brothers and sisters to uphold the values of restraint and constructive engagement,” Akintola concluded.
The group emphasized that the spiritual sanctity of mosques must be respected and warned against similar acts in the future, stating that such incidents could deepen mistrust and religious tension in the country.