IWF

Author(s):
Alabi Salihu Hammed, ,

Abstract: The return of democratic system in 1999 sought for participation of Ulama who were generally believed to possessed maximum influence among adherents arising from the belief that any anointed candidate of Ulama will be translated into victory in the poll, the reality of which was evident in emergence of late Muhammed Lawal as Governor of Kwara State in 1999 owing to the support he received from Ulama as well as other support from political emissary. Unfortunately, crisis broke out between the Governor and his erstwhile god father late Dr. Olusola Saraki two years into his administration over the former second term bid, subsequently; the hitherto united Ilorin Emirate scholars was divided along political parties and candidates, leading to allegedly spiritual death of some erudite scholars, while some became victims of attack by political hoodlums' others, were stigmatized with negative nicknames. This study therefore inquired into the influence of Ulama's participation in politics since 1999 till date and its implications on Ilorin emirate. The study was exploratory in nature, while it made use of conceptual methods which includes the use of secondary data sources. The finding revealed that conflicts among Ulama were as a result of their political participation. We recommend that security agencies and other stakeholders pay more attention to the Ulama activities with a view to regulate Da'wah activities going into circulation via on social media and open air Da'wah.