The historical development and challenges of Islam in Ila-Orangun, Nigeria

Like many other Yoruba towns in the south-western Nigeria, Ila-Orangun which is popularly referred to as the principal town of Igbominaland witnessed the coming of Islam during a period when paganism had eaten deep into the fabric of every sphere of life of the people. The uniqueness of Islam in the town is that it has not been able to bring to an end the traditional belief system of the people ever since its inception. This is probably because of the status of the town as one of the towns founded by one of the sons of Oduduwa from the great ancestral land, Ile-Ife. This paper therefore takes a look at the inception of Islam in this ancient town to determine the extent of influence of traditional belief system on the practice of Islam in it and the methods adopted by the early Muslim clerics to penetrate the town with a view to breaking the genes of darkness in the town. Attempts are also made to discuss some latest developments on Islam in town, namely Imamship tussle and other challenges facing the Muslim community there. The paper concludes by identifying some steps necessary to be taken by the Muslim community in the town for them to be able to place the religion on a better pedestal.