The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has turbaned Alhaji Bilaan Oseni Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo land.
The ceremony was held on Thursday at the Alaafin’s residence in the Boroboro area of Oyo town.
Akinola was recently appointed by the Alaafin after successfully completing the required screening process.
Born on April 15, 1965, to Alhaji Shaykh Imam Bilaal Akano Ogunbado of the Imam Ogunbado compound, Akeugberu, Oyo, Akinola holds an LLB from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1992), and completed studies at the Arabic Institute of Nigeria, Elekuro, Ibadan, in 1987.
He undertook his professional tutelage and practical pupilage at Barrister Niyi Badmus & Co., Ibadan, between 1995 and 2000, and later served as a prepayment officer while handling legal correspondences within the Federal Public Service at the former National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), which later became the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
Outlining his vision, the new Chief Imam stressed that his focus is not on introducing new doctrines but on reinforcing strict adherence to the Qur’an and the Hadith of the Prophet (SAW).
“Islam is complete and has been complete for centuries. My role is to ensure that our members align with the dictates of the Qur’an,” he added.
He further called for unity within the Muslim Ummah, urging an end to bigotry and ethnic divisions.
The Chief Imam also reminded government officials of their duty to be accountable.
“Public office is a trust from Allah, not an opportunity for personal gain. Leaders must prioritize the welfare of the people at all times,” he advised.
Oba Owoade urged all Muslims in Oyo land to support the new leadership of the mosque.
