Nigerians, particularly residents of Lagos State, have been urged to avoid protests or actions that could undermine peace in the country amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. The warning also cautioned citizens against getting involved in the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The appeal was made by the League of Chief Imams during the 2026 Ramadan Tafsir/Iftar programme, held at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday night.
Speaking through Sheikh Abdulrahman Ahmad, National Missioner and Chief Imam of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, the clerics reacted to protests staged in some parts of the country, particularly by members of the South-West chapter of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, during US-Israeli strikes.
Sheikh Ahmad urged calm and restraint, stressing that Ramadan should be a period of prayer for peace rather than unrest. “This is a time for prayer, a time to be part of peace; this is not a time for protest and demonstration. This is not a time for insults. This is not a time for upheavals. It is a time of sober reflection,” he said.
The cleric warned that the Middle East crisis is a fitnah—a trial that affects everyone—and reminded citizens that Nigeria could face indirect consequences, including rising fuel prices. He advised that if citizens cannot contribute to solutions, they should not exacerbate problems through protests or disaffection.
Recalling the aftermath of the 2020 EndSARS protests, Sheikh Ahmad emphasized that the country is still dealing with the consequences of unrest and cannot afford further disruption. “Don’t join a protest that you don’t know anything about. Your intention may be good, but someone else may exploit it to cause mayhem and destruction,” he cautioned.
The League of Chief Imams also urged Nigerians to embrace unity, responsibility, and spiritual reflection, praying that the holy month of Ramadan brings relief and peace to the nation and the world. Clerics were encouraged to use their pulpits to preach against disaffection and confusion.
The 2026 Ramadan Tafsir/Iftar programme was attended by Islamic clerics, Muslim faithful, government officials, civil servants, and journalists.
