The League of Chief Imams has cautioned Nigerians, particularly residents of Lagos State, against staging protests or engaging in actions that could threaten the nation’s peace over the ongoing Middle East crisis.
The appeal was made on Tuesday night during the 2026 Ramadan Tafsir/Iftar programme held at Lagos House, Ikeja.
Speaking on behalf of the League, the National Missioner and Chief Imam of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulrahman Ahmad, urged citizens to exercise calm and restraint amid rising tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The warning follows protests staged in parts of the country, including Lagos, by members of the South-West chapter of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria over reports surrounding the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, during recent United States-Israeli strike.
Sheikh Ahmad described the Middle East crisis as “fitnah” (calamity), warning that its consequences could affect everyone, regardless of involvement.
“Beware of fitnah; when it happens, it will not only affect those who are responsible for it, but it will also affect all of us. The crisis in the Middle East is fitnah. This is a time for prayer… this is not a time for protest and demonstration. It is a time of sober reflection.”
He stressed that the holy periods of Ramadan and Lent should be dedicated to prayers for peace in Lagos and Nigeria rather than demonstrations that could spark unrest.
The cleric also highlighted the possible economic ripple effects of global tensions, particularly on fuel prices.
“I told the congregation they should prepare for an increase in fuel prices… Chances are that it could even hit N2,000 per litre. It may even be worse than that, except we face it with prayer.”
He noted that Nigeria, like many nations, is not insulated from global crises and must respond with reflection and unity.
Drawing lessons from the aftermath of the EndSARS protests, which led to widespread destruction in Lagos and other parts of the country, Sheikh Ahmad warned against allowing good intentions to be hijacked by individuals seeking to cause mayhem.
“Don’t join a protest that you don’t know anything about. Your intention may be pure, but do you know the next person who will hide under that and cause destruction? We must be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
Call for Unity and Responsible Leadership
While expressing sadness over the loss of lives and destruction in the Middle East, the League urged Nigerians not to be drawn into conflicts that do not directly concern the country.
Clerics were also encouraged to use their platforms to preach peace, unity, and responsibility.
The League prayed that the sanctity of Ramadan would bring relief and peace to troubled regions and stability across Nigeria.
The 2026 Ramadan Tafsir/Iftar programme was attended by Islamic clerics, Muslim faithful, top government officials, civil servants, and members of the media.