Urges MURIC to steer clear Chief Imam’s controversy, The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, yesterday, declared his support for the embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Talihat Yunus Ayilara, saying that traditional rulers lack the power to sack religious leaders. It would be recalled that the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, had last 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 Ayilara as the Chief Imam.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
Talihat Ayilara has been embroiled in a controversy with the monarch 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 Ayilara as the Chief Imam. However, Oba Alao urged the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to sheathe its sword over its comment on the tussle, stressing that stakeholders would not allow anything to divide the Ogbomoso Muslim community.
The monarch said Ogbomoso is a peaceful place with people of different religious beliefs cohabiting in love. He said: “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 culture and traditions, rightly promoting 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 embers 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,” the monarch further said.
