The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, has criticized the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Taliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara, for not seeking the traditional ruler’s approval before going on the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
This is the latest incident in a series of disputes between the two leaders in recent months.
The Chief Imam was one of the Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 1445 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
In a formal complaint, the Soun stated that the Chief Imam did not inform him about the trip beforehand.
The traditional ruler’s letter, dated June 10, 2024, highlighted that the Chief Imam’s actions violated an agreement he signed upon assuming his position.
The letter, signed by the palace secretary, Toyin Ajamu, and released to the media yesterday, reads: “Referencing the previous query regarding your unacceptable behavior as the Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland, you are reminded of the necessity to avoid such conduct.”
“You will remember that upon your appointment as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland, you signed an agreement binding you to notify the Soun before leaving Ogbomoso.”
“However, it has come to our attention that you are currently on a pilgrimage in Mecca without notifying the Soun, breaching your agreement.”
“Additionally, you agreed not to appoint a deputy without the Soun’s approval. Despite this, we have learned that you appointed Sheikh Abdulrahman Alim Areo as acting Chief Imam Agba, who led the Friday prayers on June 7, 2024, at the Central Mosque.”
“These actions directly violate your agreement. As the Soun of Ogbomosoland, I demand that you return immediately to Ogbomoso to correct these violations and refrain from any further breaches of your agreement.”
When contacted by phone, the Chief Imam confirmed the situation to reporters.
He remarked, “Yes, I can confirm that. He has sent me queries before. I will provide the documents.”
“This time, the query is about not informing him before traveling to Saudi Arabia.”
The conflict between the Soun of Ogbomoso and Chief Imam Sheikh Ayilara stems from a legal dispute initiated by Ayilara against the monarch and the Soun-In-Council.
Ayilara’s lawsuit challenges their attempts to remove him from his position as Grand Chief Imam, a role he has held since November 2021, appointed by the previous Soun.
Ayilara insists his appointment is legitimate and in accordance with Islamic principles, having been endorsed by the Surah committee of Ogbomoso’s Muslim community.
Tensions intensified following the new Soun’s ascension in September 2023, who contested Ayilara’s continued tenure as Chief Imam.
Ayilara’s lawsuit, filed in the Oyo State High Court, seeks to secure his position and highlights a significant conflict between religious independence and traditional authority in Ogbomoso.
His legal action underscores the importance of following Islamic procedures in Imam appointments and calls for judicial intervention to stop what he views as an unlawful attempt by the Soun and his council to remove him.