By: Sefiu Ajape
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has faulted the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, over his claim that he has the exclusive right to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the monarch’s assertion as “false, baseless and without any legal backing.”
The group was reacting to a statement by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, on Monday, September 15, 2025, where the monarch reportedly declared that, “It should be noted that only His Imperial Majesty has the exclusive preserve to appoint a new Chief Imam for the town.”
Rejecting the claim, MURIC said, “What the Alaafin called his exclusive right is a baseless privilege now being abused by traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
“Alaafin is being economical with the truth. We challenge the Alaafin to produce the legal instrument that empowers him to appoint the Chief Imam for Oyo Muslim Community.”
Professor Akintola further questioned the logic behind the monarch’s claim, stating, “If he has the power to appoint the Chief Imam, does he also have the power to appoint the bishop of Oyo? Now, if he has no power to appoint the bishop, he cannot claim the power to appoint the Chief Imam.”
The group argued that Nigerian law does not grant such powers to monarchs, insisting that Muslims must be free to appoint their own leaders without interference.
“Muslims are not slaves. The king should respect himself and know his limits so that he can be adequately respected. Nigeria is not a monarchy. It is a democracy,” the statement read.
MURIC added that the Alaafin, being a pastor, has “no moral right” to dictate who should lead Muslims in Oyo, and urged him to respect the religious sensibilities of his Muslim subjects.
The organisation proposed that the Oyo Muslim Community should consult with the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), present one candidate for the position, and inform the Alaafin accordingly.
It maintained that while the monarch may bless the community’s choice, such approval is not legally binding.
Professor Akintola concluded: “To the Alaafin, Kabiyesi, Your Imperial Majesty, you are the king over the whole of Oyo. You are king over the Muslims, the Christians and the traditionalists. Each group chooses its own leader.
“No law gives you exclusive right to choose the Chief Imam. Otherwise, show us evidence that you picked the bishop. If you cannot pick the bishop, how can you pick the Imam? Stop impugning our dignity. Respect begets respect.”
