The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has thrown his weight behind the embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Talihat Yunus Ayilara, saying traditional rulers lack the power to sack religious leaders.
Recall that the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye had on Friday appointed Habib Ayilara as the Chief Imam for his palace, a move interpreted by the Muslim community in the town as a plot to replace Tahilat Ayilara as the Chief Imam.
Ayilara has been embroiled in a controversy with Oba Olaoye in recent times.
The crisis has led to a legal suit, which is being heard by an Oyo State High Court. The suit seeks the removal of Tabilat Ayilara as the Chief Imam.
Also, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) criticised Soun’s move, describing it as a “subterfuge to weaken Islam, a stratagem to enslave Muslims and a chicanery to exploit the Muslim population of Ogbomoso.”
But a statement on Tuesday by Oba Alao urged MURIC to sheathe its sword, stressing that stakeholders in Ogbomoso will not allow anything that can divide the Ogbomoso Muslim community.
“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 about 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 where people of different religious beliefs cohabit 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 are concerned about the ugly development that we will not sit by and allow the promotion of division in the 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 a decision must follow a 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 from 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.”
