Chief Imam Drags King, Others To Court Over Alleged Plan To Remove Him

The controversy surrounding the appointment and turbaning of Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Taliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara has taken another shape as the Imam dragged the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye and the Soun In- Council to court over plans to remove him from the office.

It could be recalled that the Chief Imam was installed in November 2021 during the reign of the immediate past Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi while the new Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye was installed by the kingmakers led by the Are Ago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin in September 2023.

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However, in a suit marked HOG/7/2024 filed at the Oyo State High Court, Ogbomoso Division, the Imam claimed that the defendants threatened to remove him as the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso.

Imam Ayilara, who is the 13th Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land in the affidavit in support of the motion on notice sworn to at the High Court Registry, Ogbomoso, on February 12, said he was appointed by the Surah committee of the Muslim Community in Ogbomoso land. He insisted that the defendants were appointed to rule under the laws and customs of Ogbomoso to the traditional titles they hold and have no power to remove him from office.

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He added that the Central Mosque in Ogbomoso land and other mosques and the administration of the mosques is the responsibility of the Muslim community, headed by the Chief Imam.

The Chief Imam maintained that the appointment of Imams anywhere in the world is regulated by Islamic rules, adding that the right to appoint a Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land is the prerogative of Muslims in the Ogbomoso community and the appointment is done in accordance with Islamic rules. He said the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land is not a chieftaincy or traditional title and as such, is not subject to the control or supervision of the traditional council.

However, the Imam urged the court to stop the defendants from removing him from the office.