Senate Leader In Trouble For Demolishing Mosques In Ekiti

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has come under fire following the demolition of two mosques in Aramoko, Ekiti State.

The Islamic human rights organisation, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has strongly condemned the action, describing it as an attack on Islam and an act of religious intolerance.

According to a press release issued on Monday by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, two mosques were pulled down in the town—one of which was razed without explanation, while the second, located in the Sabo area, was demolished to pave way for a market said to be part of Senator Bamidele’s constituency project.

“A short notice was given to the Muslims to vacate their mosque situated at Sabo in Aramoko town,” the statement read.

“Every trick in the books was employed to ensure that the mosque was demolished on 26th March, 2025.”

MURIC did not mince words in its criticism, calling the move “a renewed hostility against Yoruba Muslims” and “a hate action aimed at eliminating Islam not only in Aramoko and Ekiti State but in the entire Yoruba land.”

Professor Akintola said it was shocking that a senior federal lawmaker such as Senator Bamidele, who should promote inclusiveness, would allegedly endorse the destruction of a place of worship belonging to a section of his constituents.

He stated, “We are surprised that a politician of immense exposure at the federal level… could give the green light to the perpetration of such a dastardly act.”

The group insisted that the demolition infringed upon the Muslims’ fundamental human rights, particularly their freedom of worship as enshrined in Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution.

“It is a declaration of war against Allah, our Creator,” Akintola added.

“Our souls and spirits will only be at rest when we commune effectively with Allah. To demolish our mosques without immediate replacement is unacceptable.”

The rights group has now called on the Senate Leader to reach out to the Muslim community in Aramoko to facilitate the rebuilding of the demolished mosque.

MURIC warned that failure to do so would damage the lawmaker’s standing among Nigerian Muslims and jeopardise his political future at the national level.

“It is not too late. MURIC urges the Senate Leader to rebuild the mosque or remain in the bad books of Nigerian Muslims forever,” the statement concluded.

Despite the tension, MURIC appealed to Muslims in Ekiti State to remain calm and law-abiding, urging them to continue to be good ambassadors of Islam.

As at the time of filing this report, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele was yet to respond to the allegations.