Muslim leaders protest in Ibadan, reject Nigeria–Israel defence ties

Muslim leaders across South-West Nigeria on Wednesday took to the streets of Ibadan, Oyo State, in a peaceful march opposing any form of military partnership between Nigeria and Israel.

The demonstration, coordinated by the Ibadan chapter of Aqsah Nigeria, sought to spotlight the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to denounce what the organisers described as genocide against Palestinians.

Among the prominent clerics who participated were Dr. Dawud Amoo-Alaga; Sheikh Abdulwaheed Abdul Hamid, founder of Anaajah Arabic Institute, Ibadan; Sheikh Abdul Fatah Sanni, President of the Council of Ulamah, Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria; and Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafii, Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations in Nigeria.

The protest came shortly after Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence restated its intention to expand security cooperation with Israel.

During a recent courtesy visit to the ministry by Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman, both governments discussed joint military operations, technology sharing, defence upgrades, and a possible bilateral defence agreement.

Speaking with journalists at the rally, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), strongly criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza.

He alleged that Israel had bombed schools, churches, mosques, media offices, and refugee shelters, adding that 238 journalists and more than 2,000 civilians had been killed while searching for food.

“As of Tuesday, 266 children had died of starvation due to the blockade. Israel has turned hospitals into death zones even while ceasefire talks were ongoing. This is a blatant violation of human rights,” Akintola said.

Akintola also questioned Nigeria’s decision to pursue a military pact with Israel, labelling it “an apartheid state guilty of crimes against humanity.” He urged the Federal Government to cancel the planned security alliance, cut off economic ties, and sever diplomatic relations with Israel.