Oba Francis Olushola Alao, Olugbon of Orile-Igbon and Vice Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has called on the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to refrain from further criticism over the appointment of Habib Ayilara as the Palace Chief Imam by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.
In a statement released on September 3, 2024, Oba Alao acknowledged MURIC’s concerns but emphasized that stakeholders in Ogbomoso are working to prevent division in the Muslim community. He assured that the matter is being addressed and that Sheik Ayilara remains the Chief Imam until the court decides otherwise.
Oba Alao also reminded that traditional rulers do not have executive power over religious leaders and that only the government can remove a properly installed religious leader through constitutional processes.
He urged those fanning division to desist, stating that traditional rulers should stand on the path of truth and promote unity.
Oba Alao declared his support for Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara, chosen by the Muslim community, and assured MURIC and Muslim stakeholders that there is no reason to worry.
It reads: “My attention and those of elders and critical stakeholders in Ogbomoso has been drawn to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)’s criticism of the appointment of Habib Ayilara as the Palace Chief Imam by His Royal Majesty Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, on Friday.
“MURIC’s concern on the controversy is well noted.
“I, however, urge MURIC to sheathe its sword as various stakeholders in Ogbomoso are on top of the issue. Ogbomoso is a peaceful place with people of different religious beliefs cohabiting in love.
“As a major stakeholder in Ogbomoso Zone, and the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, I can confirm that stakeholders in Ogbomoso land are working hard to ensure that the Muslim community in Ogbomoso is not allowed to be divided. I am assuring MURIC and other Nigerians having concern on the ugly development that we will not sit by and allow promotion of division in Ogbomoso Muslim community.
“Besides, there is a pending suit on the matter in the court of law which means that Sheik Ayilara remains the Chief Imam except the court decides otherwise.
“I call on those fanning embers of division to desist, otherwise, they will meet their Waterloo.
“As a foremost traditional ruler, I am fully aware that monarchs do not have executive power over Chief Imams or other religious leaders. Our roles over religious groups, associations and others in our kingdoms are advisory. Only the government has the constitutional right to remove a properly installed religious leader, and such decision must follow constitutional process.
“As obas, we are custodians of our culture and traditions, rightly promoting our values and heritage. Traditional rulers in Oyo State are not partisan on religious affairs.
“Aside community leaders, the Oyo State Government does not interfere in religious issues. It is fair to both Muslim and Christian communities.
“Traditional rulers should be guided so they won’t fan the ember of division in their kingdoms. We should stand on the path of truth.
“I, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, stand with the only Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara. Let him continue to perform his duties as the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso because he is the one chosen by the Muslim community.
“MURIC and all Muslim stakeholders have no reason to worry because there is a pending lawsuit on the issue, and stakeholders in Ogbomoso are with the Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara.”
