Nigeria, March 31 -- The Ondo State Government says the Central Mosque in Ikare Akoko will remain locked until the crisis in the ancient town is resolved.

The government said this amidst calls on it to end a curfew in the town and reopen the mosque for the Islamic month of Ramadan.

The state government shut the mosque in October following violent clashes resulting from a dispute over the leadership of the mosque.

Trouble started when the Ikare Muslim Council, backed by the king of the town, the Olukare of Ikare, Saliu Momoh IV, sacked the Chief Imam, Abubakar Muhammed.

However, the League of Imams and the Ondo State Council for Islamic Affairs rejected the removal of the cleric. This led to a standoff between the parties.

Mr Muhammed...