A new Chief Imam has emerged in Ilero, he is Imam Ilyas Babatunde Salaudeen II. He was turbaned on Monday 9th of June 2025 by Sheikh Ismail Mubarak Ashile.
This is coming 47 days after the exit of the immediate Chief Imam AbdulFatai Aderibigbe Fasasi, who died on 23rd of April, 2025.
Born in 1977 into the distinguished lineage of Islamic scholarship, Sheikh Al-Imam Ilyas Babatunde Salaudeen hails from the revered family of the late Imam Salaudeen Alao of Oke-Onire Agoro, Ipapo area, Ilero, Iwa LCDA, Kajola Local Government Area, Oyo State. He is the last son of his father who died in 1985 as the grand Imam of the community.
Speaking at the event, a renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Mushkur AbdulHamid Eye, noted that Allah has predestined the journey of life for everyone, as he encouraged the new Imam to replicate the examplary template left by his father in the propagation of pristine Islam.
He admonished members of Ilero Muslim community to fear Allah, and ensure their conduct resonates with the dictate of Allah, while eschewing being judgemental of the new Imam.
The new Chief Imam is the 4th in his lineage to ascend the status of Imam in the community, starting from his great grand father, Sheikh, Hassan.
After many years of Islamic and western education in Iwo, Osun state, Alhaji Ilyas Babatunde Salaudeen in 2002 proceeded to the prestigious Zaitouna University, Tunisia, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Sciences with a specialization in Theology in 2006. His intellectual curiosity also led him to pursue a Diploma in International Relations from the same university- blending spiritual depth with global perspective.
Upon his return to Nigeria, he fulfilled the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme between 2009 and 2010, serving at the Nigerian Army Cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos.
Responding, the brand new imam thanked the Muslim community for support, as he solicited for further collaborations.
The event was graced by dignitaries including, Kabiyesi Elero of Ilero, Oba Wasiu Saka Oyedele Olokolonigi, the Chairman of Kajola local government, Hon Akeem Mustapha and League of Imam and Alfa in Oke-Ogun.
