Some renowned Islamic clerics, Sheikh Muyideen Bello and Sheikh Abdul-Mojeed Alawaye have called on the kingmakers (Oyomesi) to expedite action on the appointment of a new Alaafin of Oyo.
The clerics gave the charge on Tuesday in their respective sermon delivered during the third edition of Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen Ramadan Lecture held at Labamba Hotel, Oyo.
The late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022 at the age of 83, after almost 52 years on the throne.
The duo in the lecture entitled ‘Allah’s Will and Destiny’ urged the Kingmakers to expedite action in the selection process of a new Alaafin.
Alawaye in his sermon, said the demise of late Alaafin and the Chief Imam of Oyo land, Sheikh Mashood Adebayo
has left the ancient town without spiritual leaders.
He said that the delay in the selection of new Alaafin of Oyo has stalled the appointment of the new Chief Imam of Oyo town.
The cleric submitted that a new Chief Imam can’t be appointed without enthronement of new Alaafin of Oyo.
Bello in his sermon, urged the kingmakers to expedite action on the selection process as demanded by the sons and daughters of the land.
According to them, the kingmakers should as a matter of urgency present the names of qualified candidates before the Ifa priest to pick the best according to tradition.
“The people have waited for long without a king and Chief Imam. It is high time the kingmakers do the needful.
“The selection process has affected many things including the appointment of Chief Imam. Traditionally, a Chief Imam can’t be appointed before installation of Alaafin.”
He stressed the need for electorate to downplay party politics by voting for candidates based on competence, antecedents and integrity.
Bello said that Nurudeen have a lot to offer the community, but were deprived of the opportunities because of the kind of deceitful politics they play in the country.
The renowned Islamic scholar berated the electorate for what he described as eye service.
“With this kind of crowd, Nurudeen supposed to win the last election but our people, the Yorubas are deceitful. Nurudeen was rejected by his people just like Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Just like the President-elect, Chief Bola Tinubu too, who won the last presidential election in almost all the Northern states but lost in Lagos state,” he said.
Bello advised Nurudeen not to lose hope on his ambition, saying his ambition would be fulfilled at the appropriate time.
Earlier, Nurudeen reassured the people of his commitment to the development of Oyo town, saying his doors would remain open to the people.
Nurudeen said that the election has come and gone but the good work continue, promising not to relent in putting smiles on faces of the downtrodden.
