Tensions within the Ho Muslim community in the Volta region have escalated as a group of concerned stakeholders has vowed to initiate legal proceedings against a newly installed Regional Chief Imam and the Asogli State.
The group accused the Asogli traditional authorities of overstepping their mandate in a matter they insist is purely religious and not hereditary.
The group in a press conference on Saturday, November 1, after the installation of the Imam, Ali Muniru, noted that the installation at the Asogli Palace violates Islamic principles and ongoing judicial processes.
Alhaji Ali Muniru was installed on Saturday, November 1, at the forecourt of the Asogli Palace in Ho.
According to the stakeholders, the leadership dispute is before the High Court in Ho, and the installation of a new Imam outside the legal process represents a challenge to due process and community cohesion.
“We shall not hesitate to take legal action against the said installed Imam and the Asogli State for meddling in a religious matter that does not fall within traditional jurisdiction,” said, Osumanu Musa Abiaduka.
The dispute is a long-standing confrontation between two factions competing for the position: the Deputy and Acting Chief Imam, Alhaji Alfa Anas, and Ali Muniru, who traces his lineage to a former Chief Imam who passed away decades ago.
The Youth Leader of the community, Sahaliu Mohammed Kidza at the press conference said “Imamship is not hereditary, and it is not a traditional position.”
He explained that Alhaji Alfa Anas served as deputy to the late Chief Imam and is currently acting in that capacity.
He said, according to Islamic practice, he is therefore qualified to become the substantive Imam and should not be expected to continue serving under a newly appointed leader.
The group expressed disappointment that the Volta Regional Minister is alleged to have supported the installation despite the case being sub judice.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their recognition of the long-serving Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Alfa Anas, noting his leadership and service to the Muslim community for more than seventeen years.
“We all know Alhaji Alfa Anas as the Regional Chief Imam of Volta Region, and he has been performing his role with dignity for over 17 years,” Osumanu Musa Abiaduka stated.
They emphasised that the matter is a religious affair governed by Islamic structures, not traditional authority.
They called for calm within the Muslim community while signalling readiness to pursue justice through the courts.
“We urge all Muslims in Ho to remain peaceful. We have full confidence in the judiciary to deliver fairness. We shall defend our faith, our laws and our unity through legitimate channels,” he said.
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